Paris, Tenn –At a busy meeting of the Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustees Thursday night, trustees heard a report on the COVID-19 cases uptick, approved the purchase of new equipment and the strategic plan for 2021.
CEO Lisa Casteel discussed the recent uptick in COVID-19 positive patients. Currently HCMC has three patients in the hospital, with one possible for COVID-19.
Also, 14 people are in the hospital currently waiting on test results. In the latest report, Henry County had 13 confirmed positives, which is the highest one day positives. The hospital has rolled visitation back to no visitors and masking because of the uptick as well as partners testing positive.
HCMC is working with the city, county, and the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce to launch a masking campaign to really educate and encourage the community to wear their masks for their protection and the protection of others as cases continue to rise.
“We really need to encourage and support the government officials and be role models for our community when we are out and about to social distance and wear our masks,” said Casteel.
“No matter what side you are on, we are all in this together and it is important for us to do our part,” said Board Member Kreg Kyle. “That seems to be getting lost in this whole thing.”
Trustees heard a presentation by Brooke Ulrich, Director of Surgical Services on new equipment needed for surgery. Dr. Jason Harper, and Dr. Joe Mobley, III, were on hand to support the leasing of the new equipment to replace aged equipment which is at least 10 to 15 years old.
The equipment being proposed is used for gastroenterology, urology, general, and gynecology surgical procedures. Three different proposals were reviewed along with the financial impact and return on investment the equipment will provide to the organization. The equipment is a $1 million investment.
“It is time to replace this equipment,” said Dr. Mobley. “It is like an old car, at some point, it is more economical to purchase or lease a new piece of equipment than continue to invest in repairs.”
“The equipment has been here since I came to HCMC,” said Dr. Harper. “We need to move forward with this new equipment.”
Dr. Whitby, Chair of the Board of Trustees, noted that this is bread and butter equipment, and we need to move forward. The board approved the lease with discretion to determine the best product of the three proposals.
Casteel discussed the Delta grant project and the strategic plan that the consultants, Stroudwater Group, provided to HCMC after reviewing both financial and quality information for the organization. Casteel went in detail of the process and how HCMC combined their suggestions and the organization’s strategic objectives to develop a plan that also included action plan documents for each objective.
“It was a really good process that has reinforced that we are on the right track and doing the right things,” said Casteel.
HCMC is exploring and developing telehealth opportunities for local clinics and services under the growth objective. HCMC has received a telehealth grant that will allow us to purchase equipment and help retain and gain market share for the organization. Additionally, HCMC is looking at an Emergency Department Redirect Program with medical screening that allow non-emergency cases to go to a clinic located next to our ER to assist in ensuring the right care in the right setting.
Casteel also discussed the plans for people, quality, and community including management education, increased work on internal and external communications, as well as really working on our quality measures and ratings, with transparent education to the community about it.
“We always appreciate the hard work and effort put into developing this plan each year,” said Board Member Troy Buttrey.
Casteel provided an interest earnings analysis and interest rate trend analysis to the board. Variable interest rates have dropped, which is a good thing for the organization. With no unfinished business, the board heard Casteel’s Administrative comments which included a review of the COVID-19 stimulus funds that HCMC has received. Most recently, HCMC received a $5 million grant from HHS. It is a Cares Act Safety Net Provider Relief Fund that HCMC was eligible for by showing COVID-19 expenses and loss of income related to COVID-19. In total, for April, May, and June, we have recognized $9.2 million in grants related to COVID-19. The state and the federal government are also looking at additional grants in the future that HCMC is investigating.
She also discussed the retirement notice of Dr. Ray Compton effective Oct. 1. Paris Surgical Specialists will be working with HCMC to recruit a general surgeon as well as a possible gastroenterologist.
Dr. Whitby acknowledged the contributions of 20 years that Dr. Compton has dedicated to the community.
“I know it was a hard decision and one he did not take lightly,” said Dr. Whitby. “We are thankful for his dedication and care to Henry County.”