Paris, TN – The outlook for Henry County Medical Center, particularly as it relates to COVID-19 and hospital volumes continue to be very positive, CEO Lisa Casteel announced during her community update for June.
Henry County continues to experience low COVID-19 cases, despite a recent uptick, Casteel said. “There was a two-week period in May where the hospital was averaging six or seven patients per day, so we monitored that very closely. But those numbers came right back down to our normal one to three in-patients with COVID-19. I reached out to other hospitals in the area and only one other hospital was experiencing a slight upward trend. All others continue with low to no levels of COVID-19.”
As for vaccinations, Henry County is at 33% in first dose vaccines while the state of Tennessee is at 39% first dose vaccinations. Casteel reiterated that HCMC was still administering vaccinations and people can make arrangements by contacting the hospital at (731) 642-1220. She also noted that other locations are offering the vaccine as well, including Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart.
Casteel said during her update that the organization is following CDC guidelines for all hospitals, so masking is still in place at HCMC and its affiliated facilities and clinics.
Patient volumes at HCMC continue to bounce back, according to Casteel, and she expects those numbers to continue to trend upward. “In January and February, we were at 70 percent of our volumes and currently some our services lines are at 90-percent volumes, so we’re still not all the way there but we are going to continue to experience increases.”
HCMC celebrated Healthcare Week in the month of May, which allowed the organization to recognize its partners who have been working under the stress of the pandemic. Those affected by COVID-19 were also recognized as HCMC lined Tyson Avenue with luminaries in honor of each COVID-19 patient that was either treated or passed away in the facility during the past year.
Mental health was also recognized by HCMC in May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. Several initiatives were held to draw attention to the many resources available at HCMC and in the community to help those who suffer from mental health issues.
Looking ahead to June, HCMC will highlight telehealth and provide information on its newest telehealth initiatives at Eagle Creek Clinic and Transitions. Also, June is Men’s Health Month so HCMC will be focusing on the many health conditions men most commonly face during their lifetimes.
To view the entire update from Casteel, you can watch on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/J-H9wAygZ-wb For more information about HCMC, its health initiatives, COVID-19, or service offered, go to 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.