By Ron Barry
Managing Editor
For the first time in more than eight years, neighboring Haywood County once again has emergency department hospital care available to the public.
Closed in 2014 when it was affiliated with Community Health Systems (CHS) based in Franklin, the Brownsville facility – now named Haywood County Community Hospital and under the ownership of Braden Health – officially reopened as a walk-in clinic in August as the first phase of a significant renovation.
That first phase was to conclude with the reopening of the emergency department, which was announced Monday. The even better news for Crockett County residents is that Ambulance Service Director Stephen Sutton has already worked out an arrangement to transport Crockett patients to Brownsville when necessary, although the majority of patients will still be taken to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as the Crockett entity continues to coordinate with West Tennessee Healthcare.
“I have been in contact with the leaders of Braden Health for some time now,” Sutton said. “We are set up to begin transporting patients to their ER. We are thankful that HCCH is now a viable emergency care option and we look forward to utilizing their services, while we will still work closely with West Tennessee Healthcare and transport the majority of our patients there.”
Sutton said the Haywood ER will be staffed with physicians who are board-certified in emergency medicine, registered nurses, qualified advanced practice nurses, and ancillary staff.
“We’re excited for Haywood County and our region to have additional emergency services,” he said. “As with most patient transports, there is a coordinated effort between all stakeholders to get patients to the correct facility that will meet their needs.”
In Phase 2 of Braden Health’s plan for Haywood Community, the facility will begin offering mammography and ultrasound services, a pharmacy, and, eventually, 45 to 49 beds for patient care.
Braden Health has purchased the buildings of four of the 16 rural hospitals to close in Tennessee since 2010, including one in Lexington. The company is committed to renovating closed facilities so that rural healthcare can become more available in Tennessee and North Carolina.
