RENOWNED FOR its excellent patient-centered care and top-notch facilities, Unity Medical Center (UMC) has solidified its commitment to the community’s healthcare needs. Since its inception in 2015, UMC has undergone several physical and technological upgrades, resulting in state-of-the-art diagnostic testing facilities. In 2020, they opened a four-bed advanced intensive care unit, bringing specialized care closer to the community during the pandemic.
Unity’s interior transformation was also significant, with a renovation program focusing on flooring, painting, signage, nurse’s stations, and patient rooms, among many other changes. The hospital’s consistent upgrades and enhancements have been underscored by its top-notch patient-centered care, making it a hospital that the community can rely on.
The survivability of rural hospitals remains under threat throughout the United States, and Tennessee has experienced the second-highest number of rural hospital closures in the country. Unity serves to combat this issue by providing 24-hour access to emergency services. Countless patient stories testify to the importance of their services — their emergency room care has saved many lives.
At Rapha Center, the hospital has established an opioid addiction, behavioral, and mental health treatment center, boasting a team of over 20 providers and therapists, resulting in heart-touching success stories.
In 2020, Unity partnered with Health Care Corporation of America (HCA), TriStar Division, to create the first Cardiac Telemedicine Program in a rural hospital. This partnership has expanded the telemedicine program to cover neurology, pulmonology, and critical care. This means patients can see a TriStar provider without leaving the facility — technology now travels to the patient.
Chief Executive Officer Martha Henley with UMC said, “ When you walk into the door, it’s like we brought the specialist to the people instead of the people driving to the specialist.”
UMC’s 16,000-square-foot pavilion, which underwent renovation and expansion in fall 2022, is now home to 14 healthcare providers committed to delivering quality, compassionate, cost-effective healthcare that is responsive to the community’s needs.
Unity’s dependable healthcare team is committed to improving the health status and quality of life of individuals and communities they serve.
“All our clinical staff work hard to ensure the needs of their patients are met. At Unity Medical Center, the staff treats their patients like their own family members,” said Henley.
Unity Medical Center has received notable recognition for its exceptional performance. It was named a “Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital” by the Chartis Center for Rural Health and one of the “Best Hospitals for Patient Experience in the South” by Becker’s Healthcare.
Unity is one of Manchester’s top 10 employers, with over 286 employees. Due to their partnerships with local services and vendors, they also invest significantly in the community, with an annual investment of $18-20 million.
UMC partnered with Teleconnected Medicine to provide a concierge service to Medicare’s chronic care management program qualifiers, allowing caregivers to schedule appointments, call in refills, and provide healthcare education.
Unity’s commitment to ethical healthcare extends beyond hospital walls through partnerships with esteemed institutions such as Eastern Tennessee State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Lincoln Memorial University, Fortis College, and Motlow State Community College. Unity also collaborates with associations like Partners for Healing, Coffee Cares, and Star Physical Therapy and actively participates in developing student medicine and nursing programs.
New partnerships, such as with Coffee County High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant classes and TCAT’s Licensed Practical Nurse program, offer greater opportunities, including an athletic trainer for Coffee County Schools.
Henley said, “If you look at the people entering the healthcare field, you’ll see that it’s declined. So it’s great that we have some great partners. We have a good little town.”
Unity has become a trusted pillar of quality healthcare in the community, with a coveted five-star ranking and commitment to delivering quality healthcare services. Patients can receive the same excellent care as larger medical institutions without leaving the city. GN
