Storm conditions hampering some services at Ballad Health

A statement from Ballad Health says Unicoi County Hospital will remain closed until further notice.

It said everyone, including health professionals and patients, was safe and the facility was empty just after 4 p.m. Workers and patients were brought safely to a checkpoint center at Unicoi County High School after helicopter services from surrounding agencies volunteered their assistance to rescue those stranded on the roof of the structure.

Friday. Hurricane effects are also hampering some other Ballad operations. Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton is evacuating patients and suspending operations with the exception of the Emergency Room, which will remain open for local, incoming patients. Current inpatients are being transferred to other area hospitals. The health care provider has suspended all elective surgeries while personnel are focused on hurricane care and recovery. Several of Ballad’s area clinics and urgent care offices have closed. They are asking residents to call ahead before seeking care.

(IMAGE: Tennessee Emergency Management Agency)