PARIS, TN – In our continued efforts to prepare for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect our patients, staff, and community, we are implementing visitation policy changes at Henry County Medical Center.

Effective immediately, our Emergency Room Visitation Policy has implemented no visitation to be allowed in the ER rooms unless:

There is a need for a caregiver
The patient is under age and needs a parent
Or, there are special circumstances approved by the medical provider (physician or midlevel) treating the patient.

Additional changes to our visitation policy to begin Monday, March 16, 2020 are as follows:

No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed at HCMC. Some special circumstances may apply and will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Patients in isolation will not be allowed to have visitors in order to conserve on personal protective equipment and supplies which are essential to reduce the spread of illness.
Women’s Center (OB Unit): No one under the age of 18 will be permitted to visit. We ask that only immediate family visit and that you to keep the number of visitors to two at a time.
Critical Care Unit (CCU): Immediate family or support persons are allowed to visit. We ask you keep the number of visitors to two at a time. Visitation will only be allowed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All those visiting must have their temperature checked before entering patient rooms.
All Other Adult Units (non-maternity except CCU): Medical/Surgical patients will be allowed up to two visitors at a time from immediate family.
Clergy: We respectfully welcome clergy for patient support along with immediate family members only.
For food orders from outside restaurants or through delivery services, we ask that you meet delivery personnel in the lobby of the floor or building to limit any unnecessary exposure to illnesses.
When visiting, remember to wash your hands with soap and water when entering and leaving patient rooms. Those with fever, runny nose, body aches, or respiratory symptoms should not visit.

For visitation guidance related to Henry County Healthcare Center, please refer to our article here: https://www.hcmc-tn.org/news/hchc-addresses-covid-19-regarding-visitation-and-infection-control/

How you can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:

Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard in a trash.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

HCMC is making every effort to educate and inform the public on ways to remain healthy through our website and our social media outlets, including specifically rigorous and frequent hand washing. Please check back often for updates including a section dedicated to COVID-19. For additional information, watch a video from our Community Pop Up event on coronavirus here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iA5IPc4G8&t=3s

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. To learn more, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org or go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

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 8 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.