In Times of Crisis

LCMC offers help and hope in the firestorm

• LeConte Medical Center initiated a command center at 9:06 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, in response to local fires.
• LeConte Medical Center has received approximately 144 patients as a result of the fires that swept through the area last Monday night. This number is likely to change as patients continue to arrive over the course of the next day or so.
• Multiple patients were transferred to UT Medical Center in Knoxville for their medical needs to be met. Some of those patients were transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
• We continue to work with local emergency responders and law enforcement to meet their needs.
• Teams of Covenant Health clinicians have been placed on call to be deployed, as needed. Debby Saraceni, vice president of marketing and physician services says, “The outpouring of support has been incredible.”
• Response within Covenant Health was swift as soon as employees learned of the situation at LeConte Medical Center. Clinical staff from throughout Covenant Health responded, asking how they could help.
• In an effort to help displaced victims of the firestorm, the LeConte Medical Center Volunteer Thrift Shop is accepting and distributing donations of bottled water, toiletries, clothing shoes, and coats.
• Those who need clothing can receive free items from the Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop is located at 441 Parkway in Sevierville. Call 865-428-2586 for extended hours of operation during the next several weeks.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the first responders who continue to battle the fires,” said Jenny Hanson, LeConte Medical Center chief administrative officer and president, “and all of those who are displaced from their homes.”

From Covenant Health’s Executive Leadership Team

In times of crisis, the importance of what we do every day in health care is highlighted even more. The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge communities are dealing with incredible loss, yet LeConte Medical Center’s staff are there caring for patients, all while many of the Center’s own staff are dealing with personal loss and concerns. The Executive Leadership Team wants to recognize the employees and medical staff at LeConte Medical Center for their incredible commitment to care for their community. We should all be proud be part of such a fantastic and dedicated team.

Last edited: Dec. 5, 7:59 a.m.