It serves Jackson, Swain, Macon and Graham counties in western North Carolina and is affiliated with Duke LifePoint.

Candler, started Candler-Tidmarsh Hospital on Courthouse Hill overlooking downtown Sylva.

In 1928 the name changed to “Candler-Nichols Hospital” after Dr. Alvin Nichols bought Tidmarsh’s interest.

[3] Harris was a local businessman who owned kaolin and clay mines, built the historic Jackson County Courthouse, and established Sylva's first library.

A fire destroyed one of the hospital's main wings in April 1958, forcing the entire facility to close for more than a month.