01/08/2026
UNC Health Southeastern asking patients to seek alternatives to Emergency Department
Officials with UNC Health Southeastern are urging the public to visit their primary care physician or use local urgent care clinics for all health conditions not requiring emergency care as patients seeking admission are facing delays.
“We have seen a marked increase in Emergency Department visits over the past few weeks, resulting in prolonged wait times,” said UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Renae Taylor. “We are doing all we can to treat patients as timely as possible, however choosing the right place to seek care helps us all.”
Individuals experiencing medical emergencies, such as trauma, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, should call 911 immediately. Patients who do seek care from the Emergency Department will be treated in order of the seriousness of their condition; therefore, individuals who seek emergency care for minor health issues will likely face extensive delays.
Individuals who feel they may be sick and need to seek non-emergency medical care may visit a UNC Health Medical Group primary care, urgent care or walk-in clinic or they may schedule a virtual visit through MyChart.
The walk-in clinics which do not require an appointment include The Clinic at Walmart in the Lumberton Walmart Supercenter and The Clinic at Brisson Drugs in St. Pauls. Appointments are suggested for UNC Health Urgent Care at Southeastern Health Mall and UNC Health Urgent Care at Pembroke.
For a complete clinic listing with hours and phone numbers, logon to unchealthse.org and click on “Locations,” “Primary Care Clinics” and “Urgent Care Clinics.”
