Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Lisa Casteel reported that Henry County’s COVID-19 vaccination rate is currently at 33.54%, up from last month’s 30.37%. This compares to the state average of 38.6%.
At the recent Board of Trustees meeting, Casteel said rural communities continue to have a higher hesitancy rate. Last week we saw a high of 7 COVID-19 patients, with 3 patients currently in the hospital.
Casteel said funding is now available related to strengthening COVID-19 response efforts including vaccination efforts in rural communities. Nearly $1 billion is now available and we are currently researching to apply. With three rural health clinics now, HCMC clinics should be eligible for some of these funding opportunities.
Casteel discussed the recent Joint Commission accreditation survey which began on May 4 and continued through May 7, 2021. Locations surveyed included the hospital, diagnostic center, surgery center, home health, hospice, durable medical equipment, physical therapy, wound care center, and hyperbaric oxygen center.
Casteel said HCMC was and remains accredited. Casteel said, “We do have findings that will require corrective action plans. These related to things such as environmental issues, leadership approval of quality plans, housekeeping issues, and documentation. Overall, the surveyors commented very positively about our organization, stating that we have the best bereavement program they have seen, very collaborative staff, dynamic leadership, and engaged workforce. The lead surveyor even stated that he would be honored to work here.”
Overall, Casteel said, “Our organization and staff are to be commended for the quality of care and engagement they provide to our community and the surveyors saw that first hand.”
CFO Brad Bloemer discussed the financial reports for April 2021. April was a very good month and had the largest profit we have had in a while. Volumes have been consistent for the last few months. For April, HCMC reported a net profit of $1.36 million and without stimulus funds, HCMC was still in the positive net income.
“In June, HCMC partners will receive a payout from COVID-19 funding for their efforts during the pandemic,” said Casteel. “This is in addition to the funding staff received during the fall. We are so proud of our partners for standing by us and our community during this very difficult time. We have used the stimulus funding to pay staff, to purchase additional PPE so that no one was without what they needed, and to purchase additional equipment that was needed.”
“It’s a great investment and money well spent,” said Troy Buttrey, Board of Trustees member. “But we still have several nursing positions open.”
Chief Nursing Officer Neely Ashby discussed issues and the pay rates offered versus competitors in the urban areas. HCMC is having difficulties in housekeeping and food service as well, Ashby said.
HCMC administration will present its Budget and the request to borrow funds at the next Henry County Commission meeting. All budgets for HCMC were approved by the board.
To learn more about the growth at Henry County Medical Center, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org and read about all the services we offer to care for our community.