Henry County Medical Center may see budget cuts coming.
HENRY COUNTY, Tenn.- As reported at the Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustees recent meeting the hospital is feeling the pinch from this year’s mandatory government spending cuts and looking to balance their budget, which could mean cuts to staffing and or some expensive hospital services. Administrators said right now the hospital is reviewing every department, looking for ways to make cuts and increase revenue to address the two percent Medicare sequestration cuts that were put in place April 1. Officials said the hospital is expected to lose nearly half a million dollars over the next 12 months and that does not even include the lost revenue expected to come under the Federal Affordable Care Act this year. “Yeah, kinda afraid maybe if something was to happen to me that they are not going to have the right services for it,” said resident Felicia Smith.” I hope it doesn’t come to that. They’re friendly, willing to go out of their way to figure out what’s wrong to help you and I guess the best of the best.” Administrators said the current occupancy rate year to date is at 38 percent, which is down from last year at this time which was recorded at 40 percent. Surgeries are also down from last year by 1 percent. Officials said fewer patients are going to the health care center an less are being admitted to the hospital. Administrators said there are no specific services or plans in place to what will be cut at this time. It is too early to tell which programs and services could be effected. “I come here before I go anywhere else, I prefer this hospital the service is good and this hospital is equipped with so much stuff the other hospitals don’t have,” said visitor Carol Orr. Residents said they are worried budget cuts would backtrack the hospital’s progress but are proud with the medical representation Henry County to offer with an excellent staff and brand new diagnostic center opening last fall. “This hospital is one of the better ones in the West Tennessee area,” said visitor Kenneth Hayes.” Officials said all budget decisions will have to be discussed and approved before the HTMC Board of Trustees.
