TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click on a link below for more information.
1. COVID-19 in Henry County
2. What to do if you think you are sick or What to do if you are sick
3. Henry County Quarantine Help Line – (731) 644-8337
4. Facility Visitation and Masking Procedure
5. Pharmacy and Pharmacy Assistance Program
6. Henry County Healthcare Center & Plumley Rehab
7. Class & Event Cancellations
8. HCMC Medical Clinics
9. Patient Medical Health Records, Lab Results, & Paying Bills
10. Donations of Masks & Personal Protective Equipment
12. HealthCare Heroes(Share a Story)
12. Coronavirus FAQs
13. HCMC Emergency Operations Plan

COVID-19 in Henry County

HCMC is dedicated to providing truthful, transparent information and report information to necessary sources as required by law.  For the latest news releases from HCMC on COVID-19, visit hcmc.vewebsites.com/news.

Henry County Medical Center COVID-19 Data

This data is meant to provide a rough estimate and may differ or change as new information becomes available. Last updated September 21, 2020, 2:30 p.m.


(scroll right on mobile to view)

County of OriginPositivesNegativesTotal Tested*Hospitalizations^Deaths
Henry County95unknownunknown10
Other31unknownunknown41
Totals1269821,11451

*This is only the tests that HCMC has done since 3/13/2020 with inpatients, through the Emergency Room, or through our drive through located outside the Emergency Department. This does not include any tests collected at other facilities, provider offices, or the health department, just those completed at HCMC.
^This only includes current hospitalizations at HCMC.


Henry County Medical Center Reports Treating First COVID-19 Patient
March 27, 2020

Henry County Medical Center Reports First Known Positive COVID-19 in Henry County
March 28, 2020

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What to do if you think you are sick

1. Contact your primary care doctor. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, please call your county health department so the health department can coordinate your medical evaluation and testing.

  • State of TN Number: COVID-19 Public Information Number: 877-857-2945. Available 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST Daily
  • Henry County Health Department: 731-642-4025        
  • Weakley County Health Department: 731-364-2210        
  • Benton County Health Department: 731-584-4944
  • Carroll County Health Department: 731-986-1990        
  • Stewart County Health Department: 931-232-5329

2. Be sure to call before visiting your doctor and tell them you might have COVID-19. When you arrive, steps will be taken to reduce exposure to other patients.

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.

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What to do if you are sick

1. Stay at home except for medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Do not use public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

2. Call ahead before visiting your doctor and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. Once you arrive, your provider’s team will take steps to keep others from getting infected or exposed.

3. Wear a mask when you are around other people or pets, and when going to a medical appointment.

4. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw away the tissue and immediately wash your hands. Cough into your elbow if tissues and hand washing are not available.

5. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

6. Do not share household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with family members, friends or pets.

7. Separate yourself from your family and animals. Stay in a specific room away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom if possible. Do not handle pets or other animals.

8. Clean hard surfaces in your home, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables, daily with antibacterial/anti-germicidal solutions such as Clorox or Lysol.

9. Monitor your symptoms and report to the emergency room if you have a fever of 103 or higher or if you have difficulty breathing. Be sure to call before seeking medical care to reduce exposure to others.

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Facility Visitation

Updates made to information on Wednesday, September 24th.

As changes continue to be announced by Federal, State, and Local governments, Henry County Medical Center continues to have updates to its services and visitation guidelines to ensure that our patients, partners, and community continue to be safe during this COVID-19 pandemic.  

GENERAL VISITATION HOURS: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Download our Current Visitation Policy Flyer.

General visitation for HCMC will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Only two visitors are permitted in a patient’s room at a time. In some cases, a friend or family member may stay overnight. This will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to visit unless otherwise noted.

Entrance to HCMC: There will only be 3 Patient/Support Person entrances to HCMC; the entrance from the patient parking lot/bridge, the front circle entrance, and the Emergency Department entrance. All other entrances will be locked to patients and visitors.

Entrance Hours: The front circle entrance and the patient parking lot/bridge entrance will be locked daily at 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. and will be locked on the weekends starting at 5 p.m. on Friday to open at 5 a.m. on Monday.  The Emergency Department entrance will continue to be open 24 hours a day.

Visitor Badge & Temperature Checks: Anyone entering the facility as a patient, support person or visitor of the patient must check in at one of the desks and receive a Visitor Badge and have his/her temperature taken. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees will be asked to leave the facility. Everyone entering the facility must wear a mask and we encourage each person to bring his/her own.

Same Day Surgery:  Only one visitor will be allowed with a patient.  Parent/Caregivers are allowed if the patient is under the age of 18.

Lake Haven Behavioral Unit:  Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays only.

PCU Unit:  Will be closed to all visitors at this time.

CCU Unit: Visitation will only be allowed between 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. each day.

  • Immediate family or support persons only are allowed to visit.  
  • Only 2 visitors per day per patient. 
  • Visitors will not be allowed if COVID-19 patients or suspected COVID-19 patients are in the unit.

Download the CCU Visitation Policy.

Emergency Department:  Visitation will be restricted and will vary each day based on volumes, needs, and if COVID-19 patients are in the department.

HCMC Diagnostic Center: If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.  Call the Diagnostic Center and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.  The number is 731-644-8233.

  • Only ONE support person per OB ultrasound patient will be allowed in the Diagnostic Center.  NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT IN THE WAITING ROOM.
  • To protect all patients, NO CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED under the age of 18 in Diagnostic Center unless they are the patient.
  • Mandatory temperature checks will be taken on all patients entering the HCMC Diagnostic Center.

Support persons and caregivers who do not have special permission to be with the patient will be asked to wait in their vehicles for the patients having testing, procedures, or surgery. 

Download the Diagnostic Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC Surgery Center: If you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches or if you have been in any area where you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus)  DO NOT ENTER THIS FACILITY and potentially expose your loved one, friend, or any of the staff to this potentially deadly virus.

  • ONE visitor or support person per patient in the waiting room.
  • NO visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed at the HCMC Surgery Center.

Download the Surgery Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC Medical Clinics: Henry County Medical Center’s Medical Clinics Medical Clinics have returned to regular business hours as of June 1, 2020. View HCMC Clinic updates.

Their policy that went into effect on March 20, 2020, still stands:

  • If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.  
  • Call the Diagnostic Center and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.  The number is 731-644-8233.
  • Only ONE support person per patient will be allowed in the Diagnostic Center.  NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT IN THE WAITING ROOM.
  • To protect all patients, NO CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED under the age of 18 in Diagnostic Center unless they are the patient.
  • Mandatory temperature checks will be taken on all patients entering the HCMC Diagnostic Center.

HCMC Center for Wellness & Rehab: Center for Wellness & Rehab has also been following a very similar policy and is as follows:

  • If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.  
  • NO visitors under the age of 18. 
  • Mandatory temperature checks will be taken on all patients entering HCMC Center for Wellness & Rehab.

HCMC Cardiac Rehab: Cardiac Rehab has also implemented new guidelines to keep patients safe during this time.  These guidelines are as follows:

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well.  If you have fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, or fatigue, please stay home.
  • Mandatory temperature checks will be taken on all patients entering Cardiac Rehab.
  • No more than 10 people total are allowed in Cardiac Rehab at one time.
  • Please limit exercise to ONE hour to allow for other patients to exercise within our patient limits based on our new guidelines.
  • Continue to clean equipment before and after exercising and wash your hands with soap and water where available or hand sanitizer. 

Dr. Wayne Gibson and Cindy Norman, NP, are accepting office visits for heart patients at the Paris Henry County Office of Saint Thomas Heart located in the HCMC Kelley Clinic. All other Saint Thomas physicians’ offices in Henry County are closed. 

Women’s Center (OB Unit): Visiting hours are general visitation hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the following exceptions:

  • One overnight support person will be allowed with the patient, unless the patient is in labor.
  • During labor, 2 persons will be allowed. These visitors cannot be interchanged.
  • After birth of the baby and recovery is completed, 3 visitors at a time will be allowed to visit during visiting hours.
  • No visitors allowed under 13 years of age with the exception of siblings of the newborn.
  • No one with sickness will be allowed in the unit unless a patient.
  • Overnight visitors must remain in the room with the patient from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Special Care Nursery:

  • Only 2 visitors at a time will be allowed at bedside.
  • No one with sickness will be allowed in the nursery.
  • Mother and father of the baby can visit at any time.
  • Mother and father can designate 4 persons who can visit at any time.  They can take anyone off of the list if the need arises, but cannot add to the list.  These persons will be expected to follow hospital visiting hours.
  • No visitors under the age of 13.

Download the Women’s Center Visitation Policy Flyer.

HCMC Iris Cafe: The HCMC Iris Café will continue with the current hours of operation:

Breakfast
Monday – Friday………………..7:30 am – 10:15 am
Saturday – Sunday……………..8:00 am – 10:15 am

Lunch
Monday – Friday…………………11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday……………..11:00 am – 2:00 pm
*grab and go items only from 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Dinner – Closed

Beginning July 1, 2020, Due to changes in available food items from our wholesalers and increased costs associated with many items, HCMC Iris Cafe’ will be changing some menu selections and implementing a price increase on some selections. We apologize for the inconvenience. For more information on what is available in the cafeteria each day, call our Cafe’ Menu Line at 731-644-8440.

HCMC Pink Petal Gift Shop: Closed until further notice.

Download the Pink Petal Gift Shop Flyer.

HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies: HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies, our Durable Medical Equipment Services, is currently doing business as usual delivering to client homes as well as HCMC, Provider Clinics, and HCHC & Plumley Rehab.  The retail location on East Wood Street is locked, but customers can either call 731-644-8410 for entry or they can knock on the door and someone will meet them.  If customers wish to enter the building, they will be screened according to HCMC guidelines for entrance into the facility.  For those who prefer not to enter, staff can meet them at their vehicle in the parking lot of HCMC In Home Equipment + Supplies and we will deliver to the vehicle.  We do ask that you call the number ahead of time with make and model as well as date and time you plan to arrive.  Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with staff on-call for emergencies after hours and on the weekend.

Safety protocols put in place regarding care include, but are not limited to: 

  • All individuals entering Henry County Medical Center facilities, including partners and providers, will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms including temperature checks daily.
  • All individuals entering Henry County Medical Center will be asked to wear a mask. Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own masks.  
  • Six-foot social distances will continue in public areas such as waiting rooms. 
  • Extra cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas will continue. 
  • Infectious patients will continue to be cared for in isolation, away from non-infectious patients.
  • Surveillance statistics of our community and regional area will be monitored for trends and stability.
  • Utilization of hospital beds, ventilators, and PPE will be monitored to ensure ability if there is a need.

In addition to safety protocols, Henry County Medical Center remains prepared to cease non-essential procedures in the event a surge or peak of COVID-19 develops in the area.

To remain prepared, HCMC will monitor its supplies and its ability to procure supplies.  HCMC will also maintain established guidelines for occupancy availability. We will continually evaluate and monitor to ensure patient safety and surveillance needs. In addition, HCMC will collaborate with the medical staff and the TN Department of Health and the Henry County Health Department to continually evaluate incidences and trends of COVID-19 cases within Henry County and the surrounding area. 

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Universal Masking Procedure

Henry County Medical Center remains committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and safe patient care while ensuring the safety of our workforce.  To this end, employees, visitors, and patients will be asked to wear a mask while on a HCMC campus. 

The exception to this would include those healthcare professionals wearing N95 respirators (while providing care for presumed or known COVID-19 positive patients), intubated patients, and pediatric patients under the age of two years. 

We recognize this is a departure from standard infection prevention; however, the CDC has published guidelines recommending all persons wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing cannot be achieved. The practices will be continually monitored and re-evaluated.

HCMC also has a video that provides a tutorial on how to wear and care for your masks.

Given what we have learned about COVID-19, this universal mask approach will serve to:

  1. Protect our community should the healthcare worker or patient have presymptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.
  2. Protect our healthcare workers should they come in close contact with an individual with either presymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection or who has symptoms that have not yet been recognized.

To be successful, this new approach will require support from all of us across the enterprise and require the following:

  • Strict adherence to extended use/reuse of masks.
  • Meticulous adherence to hand hygiene.
  • Proper mask use and hygiene including wearing the mask as directed to cover the mouth and nose.
  • Strict avoidance of manipulation/touching the mask to reduce the risk of contamination and self-inoculation.

Conservation of PPE & Mask Donations

HCMC has an adequate, but not inexhaustible, stock of masks for staff and patient utilization.  In an effort to maintain the supply, conservation of masks is essential.  We have no way to predict how long this pandemic will affect us.  In an effort to ensure masks continue to be available to healthcare workers, we must make all efforts to conserve our supply.  In the event the supply of procedure/surgical masks prohibits this strategy, distribution of masks will be prioritized based on the highest risk clinical activities.  Supply chain is working diligently to secure additional stocks of masks.

Many individuals, groups and businesses from the community have generously offered to help assist in our preparedness efforts by sewing cloth masks.

If you would be interested in making and donating cloth masks, please reference the Donations information below.


Henry County Medical Center announced today it will lift the temporary restrictions placed on elective surgery and outpatient procedures due to COVID-19.  The decision follows the release of Governor Lee’s plan for the state.  HCMC will begin surgeries starting Friday, May 1 with a phased approach.  

“We’re able to lift restrictions due to the low COVID-19 transmission rate within our community and our ability to secure supplies,” said Casteel. “However, our new normal is that we now live with surveillance statistical monitoring to ensure stability. As people resume activities, we may see a spike in the virus and we will always side on protecting our patients, healthcare workers and community by returning to more restrictive policies and protocols. Until a vaccine or cure is found, Henry County Medical Center will support and follow established protocols.”

To remain prepared, HCMC will monitor its supplies and its ability to procure supplies.  HCMC will also maintain established guidelines for occupancy availability. As such, HCMC will begin a phased approach at an 85% capacity.  We will continually evaluate and monitor to ensure patient safety and surveillance needs. In addition, HCMC will collaborate with the medical staff and the TN Department of Health and the Henry County Health Department to continually evaluate incidences and trends of COVID-19 cases within Henry County and the surrounding area. 

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Pharmacy and Pharmacy Assistance Program

Information updated Friday, March 20th.

Though Henry County Medical Center is no longer allowing visitors into the organization, patients who need to pick up their medications from the HCMC Pharmacy and the Paris & Henry County Healthcare Foundation Pharmacy Assistance Program can still do so.

Those needing to pick up prescriptions through the Pharmacy Assistance Program can call either 731-644-8215 or 731-644-8300 and provide the day and time they plan to come to HCMC to get their medications.  Medications will be available for pick up at the HCMC Front Circle Desk from one of the partners with the program.  

If you have been referred to the pharmacy assistance program and need to bring in documentation for the program or meet with our staff with the program, please call 731-644-8215 or 731-644-8300.  They will meet with you for drop off of documents at the HCMC Front Circle Desk or make other arrangements with you.  

The HCMC Pharmacy is still filling prescriptions for patients and these medications can be picked up at the Pharmacy by entering either the entrance from the Patient Parking Lot Bridge or the Front Circle and checking in with one of the staff members at the desks.  Please inform them you are here to pick up prescriptions. If you have a fever and are coughing, remain in your car and call the hospital pharmacy at 731-644-8341 for instructions.

Due to new visitation restrictions, prescriptions should be picked up Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Prescriptions needed on the weekend, please call the pharmacy at 731-644-8341.  

“We are here to serve you so do not hesitate to give us a call,” said Paula Bell, Director of Pharmacy.

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Class & Event Cancellations

Information updated Wednesday, July 22nd.

There are some cancellations to announce:

HCMC Auxiliary Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m., HCMC Classrooms

Chronic Disease Management Screenings – Wednesday, July 22 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., HCMC Classrooms 2 & 3.  If you need your lab work completed prior to next screening, please call the Healthcare Foundation office at 731-644-8215.

Masquerade Jewelry Sale Benefitting HCMC Volunteer Auxiliary – Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 will not take place at HCMC Classrooms 2 & 3.  Another location is being looked at offsite and/or a possible new date.

Sadly, Henry County Medical Center will be suspending both its Job Shadowing Program and Junior Volunteer Program for the summer. 

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HCMC Medical Clinics

Updates made to information on Friday, June 5th.

Henry County Medical Center and its Medical Clinics have returned to regular business hours as of June 1, 2020. Clinics under the HCMC umbrella include:

Those who are seeking care at one of our seven medical clinics will still need to follow the guidelines established in March:

  • If you have a fever or cough, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER.  Call the clinic and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.
  • Only ONE support person per patient will be allowed in the clinic and waiting areas.  
  • To protect all patients, NO CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED under the age of 18 in the clinic and waiting area unless they are the patient.

Download our Medical Clinics Visitation Flyer.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider.

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Patient Medical Health Records, Lab Results, and Paying Bills

Information updated Wednesday, July 22nd.

Beginning immediately, patients who want to pick up their medical health records including any COVID-19 testing will need to call HCMC Health Information Management at 731-644-8432. You will need to provide the date and time you plan to arrive.  Your records including COVID-19 testing can also be accessed through our patient portal or you can contact you healthcare provider.

Patients will need to park in the Emergency Department parking lot and walk up to the blue awning next to the Emergency Room to collect their medical health records.  Please call the above number when you arrive so that a member of the Health Information Management staff can meet you with your records.  Please bring your driver’s license or a form of identification to pick up your records and be prepared to sign and fill out any necessary paperwork.

The hours of operation for Health Information Management are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, all in person bill payments are suspended at this time.  If you need to pay your hospital bill, you can do so online at hcmc.vewebsites.com or you can call our Business Office at 731-644-8348 to pay your bill over the phone.  The Business Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Donations of Masks & Personal Protective Equipment

Information updated Friday, May 8th.

Universal masking, recommended by the CDC and JCAHO, began Friday, May 1 at the hospital, surgery center, and diagnostic center.  All other HCMC facilities are asked to encourage visitors and patients to wear masks brought from home.  HCMC has an adequate, but not inexhaustible, stock of masks for staff and patient utilization.  However, the global supply for this equipment continues to be uncertain and we are actively taking steps to secure more supplies.

Many individuals, groups and businesses from the community have generously offered to help assist in our preparedness efforts by sewing cloth masks. If you would be interested in making and donating cloth masks, we encourage you to contact us at 731-644-3463 or by e-mail at tdaughrity@hcmc.vewebsites.com.

Small Quantity Donations can be dropped off Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the HCMC Front Desk Entrance located at the Circle Drive of the hospital. 

We have a recommended sewing pattern along with suggested materials as a guide for making the masks. We also ask that you consider making pediatric masks for Paris Pediatrics and our children in the hospital.

Instructions for homemade cotton facemasks.


HCMC is asking community members, including local businesses and individuals who are not involved in caring for COVID-19 patients, to donate new and unused medical and PPE that could protect staff members and providers involved in caring for our patients.  

HCMC is specifically asking for the following donations:

  • Surgical face masks & N-95 masks
  • Isolation gowns
  • Disposable exam gloves
  • Sani-cloth wipes
  • Face shields
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Specimen bags
  • Red top viral tubes (lab supply)
  • Nasal swabs (lab supply)
  • Large trash cans

Small Quantity Donations can be dropped off Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the HCMC Front Desk Entrance located at the Circle Drive of the hospital.  If you are capable of donating large quantities of personal protective equipment, please call the HCMC FindLine at 731-644-3463.  

We have had several calls to provide handmade surgical masks, and at this time, we are not asking the community to provide these.  We have also had people call wanting to volunteer. If you are interested in being put on our volunteer pool list, please call the Human Resources Department at 731-644-8472 or call the FindLine at 731-644-3463.

If you have any questions or need more information, please call 731-644-3463.  

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This is a rapidly evolving situation. Up-to-date information is available online:
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
TDH: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
Resource for all State of TN information: https://tha.com/focus-areas/covid-19/

CONTENT SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR IMMUNIZATION AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES (NCIRD), DIVISION OF VIRAL DISEASES