Texas County Memorial Hospital announced last week it is searching for a full-time family practice physician for its clinic in Licking following news that Dr. Eugene Honeywell will have additional medical treatment.
Beginning Monday, Honeywell said he will leave the clinic for surgery and related treatments for cancer. According to Honeywell, the recovery time is approximately eight to 12 weeks.
“I plan to return to the clinic as soon as I am able,” Honeywell explained.
Honeywell was out of the clinic from July 2008 to April 2009 for surgery and cancer treatment. He returned in May, and the clinic recently launched electronic medical records as part of the hospital’s strategic plan for paperless health records.
“The hospital and my clinic staff will strive to meet the medical needs of the clinic patients in my absence,” Honeywell said, adding that when he’s back from the hospital, he will be available by phone as needed.
Currently, TCMH family nurse practitioners Terry Bruno and Debra Buckle are providing patient coverage in the clinic. Bruno is working every Thursday and Friday in the clinic, and Buckle has scheduled various days throughout the next few weeks.
At the request of Honeywell, TCMH officials are seeking a full-time family practice physician to provide continuous coverage in the clinic. This provider will stay at the clinic after Dr. Honeywell’s planned return.
“I respect and agree with Dr. Honeywell’s request to add additional healthcare providers to the Licking area,” said Wes Murray, chief executive officer at TCMH. “Recruiting an additional provider will allow us to meet the needs of all those involved.”