HCMC Announces a Phased Reopening of Elective Services, Continued Visitation Limitations, and Universal Masking for Everyone

PARIS, TN – 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.

“This is good news for patients who have placed their care plans on hold due to COVID-19,” said CEO Lisa Casteel. “Our team is ready to deliver safe care to all patients. We continue to follow all Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tennessee Department of Health safety guidelines.”

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 facilities will be asked to wear a mask. Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own masks. If they do not have one available, one will be provided based on supplies available at the hospital, Surgery Center, and Diagnostic Center.
  • All care team members will wear surgical masks and protective eye wear, as well as other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), when caring for patients.
  • Visitors will still be prohibited. A support person will be allowed for surgical patients; delivering OB mothers; children under the age of 18; patients with confusion, altered mental status or developmental delays; and end-of-life patients.
  • Six-foot social distances will be established 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.

“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.

“Safety is our priority,” said Casteel.  “Our services may look a little different in the new normal, but our commitment to our mission, To Provide, remains the same.”

Patients who wish to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedure should first visit with their appropriate ordering provider.

As schedules continue to change, HCMC will keep patients informed through our website, hcmc.vewebsites.com and on our social media platforms.

HCMC continues to update daily our chart on our website that provides information on testing, hospitalizations, and deaths within our organization.  It can be found at hcmc.vewebsites.com.  We are additionally posting on our social media platforms a daily update that provides information about COVID-19 at HCMC, TN, KY, the counties our organization serves, as well as statistics from the Henry County Health Department.  Both will be updated and available by 6 p.m. daily.

HCMC Administration continues to follow the CDC guidelines as well as the TN Department of Health guidelines to ensure the safety of our patients, families, partners, and community.

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.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider.  To learn more, go to our website at hcmc.vewebsites.com 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 7 provider clinics in various specialties.  Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: hcmc.vewebsites.com.