Paris, TN – The pandemic, new programs and services, as well as new additions to the healthcare team were all included in Henry County Medical Center CEO Lisa Casteel’s April Community Update.
As has been the case for more than a year, COVID-19 continues to be at the forefront of HCMC’s focus and Casteel noted that cases were on the rise. Within Tennessee, Henry County ranks 72 out of 95 counties for daily new cases (low rate of cases). The county ranks 22 out of 95 for positivity rate (high rate) and has a vulnerability level 62 out of 95 counties.
According to Casteel, Henry County is averaging 2.7 new positive cases per day for an average positivity rate of 9.5%.
“We remain listed as a ‘high risk’ community due to our higher positivity rate and insufficient testing,” she explained. “Within our hospital we range from two to four COVID-19 positive inpatients per day.”
HCMC continues to assist the county with vaccinations and Casteel reported that as of mid-April, Henry County has 16,774 vaccines given with 30% of the population receiving at least a first dose. HCMC is currently completing second dosages throughout this month. As has been widely reported, all vaccination sites – including HCMC – are holding the remaining Johnson & Johnson vaccine as requested by the CDC due to an abundance of caution from six reported cases currently under review.
Casteel emphasized that while vaccinations are making a difference, community members should continue to wear a mask, social distance and wash hands thoroughly.
Beyond battling COVID-19, HCMC continues to expand its healthcare services by adding new physicians and service lines. Among its newest hires, Dr. Steven Phillips, a general surgeon who practices at Paris Surgical Specialists, arrived in January and offers a broad range of general surgeries.
New programs have also been added to various departments across the organization.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which focuses on the use of exercise and education to improve how people with chronic lung disease can improve their daily lives, is accepting patients, as is Henry County Pain and Spine Clinic. This program uses physical therapy, psychological therapy, and interventional pain procedures to improve your health with pain.
Also, HCMC’s Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation has added lymphedema therapy (the treatment/management of swelling), dry needling therapy (the treatment of pain and movement impairments) and pediatric sensory therapy (use of items such as a vestibular swing, a climbing wall, and a chalkboard, to improve child development.)
HCMC is now a 4-Star rated hospital, while its skilled nursing facility – Henry County Healthcare Center and Plumley Rehabilitation – has been rated a 5-Star facility, Casteel announced.
Upcoming in May is a focus on mental health with the launch of videos, social media and other informational channels which will highlight the multitude of services available in Henry County.
You can watch the Community Update video on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/8YnW29pjwPs
For more information about all our new services, check out our website at www.hcmc-tn.org.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 7 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.