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PARIS (August 8) — This Thursday night was a very busy in Henry County with several meetings and events happening including the Henry County Fair.
Attendance was strong with members expressing joy and enthusiasm for the outstanding accomplishments of Henry County Medical Center this past year.
The Long Range Planning Committee of HCMC meets four times a year and is an opportunity for community members to learn about services and help shape the goals and objectives for the next fiscal year. It is also an opportunity to review accomplishments with goals met and in-depth education on services that affect the medical center.
Lisa Casteel, CEO, began the meeting discussing the FY2019 strategic objectives.
HCMC accomplished all but two of the strategic goals for the year involving cardiology and collaboration with Carey Counseling, which both are in process.
Casteel also shared that everything on the balanced scorecard metrics was in green or blue, except two measures including the emergency room door to physician wait times. Many changes were made, including physician hiring in the ER and a new medical screening process.
Casteel said the Paris and Henry County Healthcare Foundation raised $20,000 that will help the organization renovate and improve the Emergency Department area for better patient experience as well.
After reviewing the accomplishments for FY2019, three managers showcased their achievements in their service, which helped support the organization and ultimately help HCMC achieve a positive bottom line for the year.
Rhonda Crossett, director of Women’s Services, shared with the committee information about the new neonatology service, PedforAll and its affect on the bottom line at HCMC and families in the community and region.
This new service line offers 24-hour coverage for moderate to high-risk deliveries. It allows women, who previously would have delivered at another facility, the ability to stay closer to home to deliver and care for their new little ones. The special care nursery admits newborns 32 weeks gestation or older.
In July, HCMC delivered 69 babies, the highest number ever for the organization. In 2018, HCMC saw 286 births and in 2019 had 534 births, an 85.7% growth rate.
Crossett shared a patient testimonial video by Sarah Rowlett, a high-risk pregnancy who was able to deliver twins at HCMC and utilize the special care nursery for her babies. To view her video, go to HCMC’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/henrycomedcenter.