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 Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Changes to our visitation policy effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 are as follows:

Entrances to HCMC: There will only be 3 visitor entrances to HCMC; the entrance from the bridge, the front entrance, and the Emergency Department entrance.
No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed at HCMC. Only 2 visitors per patient allowed in the facility at one time. Some special circumstances may apply and will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Critical Care Unit (CCU): Visitation will only be allowed between 10 a.m.-12 Noon and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. each day. Immediate family or support persons only are allowed to visit. Only 2 visitors per day per patient. All those visiting must have their temperature checked before entering patient rooms By Nursing.
All Other Adult Units (non-maternity except CCU): Medical/Surgical patients will be allowed up to two visitors daily from immediate family and must be 18 years of age or older.
HCMC Iris Café will only be open to employees and allowed visitors via the new visitor policy guidelines.

The following policy changes continue to be effective:

Emergency Room Visitation Policy: 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.
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.
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 that was updated on March 16, 2020: https://www.hcmc-tn.org/news/hchc-updates-visitation-and-activities-based-on-cms-guidelines-effective-immediately/

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.

Again, if you believe you meet the criteria for the coronavirus including having the symptoms, traveling outside the United States or in the domestic hot spots associated with COVID – 19, or being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call your primary care provider to arrange for medical evaluation and testing. If you present to our Emergency Department without a provider order for testing, you will be registered as an ER patient and be treated and charged as an ER patient, as well as masked and isolated. If you have an order for testing from your provider, you will be instructed to park in the ER parking lot and a clinical staff member will come out and do the testing through our outpatient lab services.

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.