Middle TN city that currently has no 24/7 ERs gets state approval for two facilities
Ascension St. Thomas and TriStar Horizon announced Wednesday that they have received state approval for new freestanding ERs.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission approved two new freestanding emergency departments for Fairview.
Ascension Saint Thomas and TriStar Horizon Medical Center announced Wednesday that they have received approval from the THFC to move forward in the construction of freestanding ERs in Fairview.
When the Ascension St. Thomas facility is complete, the ER will be part of the new health campus with Dickson Medical Associates’ outpatient facility.
With Fairview’s population having grown more than 36% since 2010, increasing the demand for emergency and outpatient care in the community, Ascension said the development represents “a major investment” in the city’s health care infrastructure.
Ascension said it will invest $20.6 million to build the freestanding ER. The 11,345-square-foot facility will include:
- 24-hour emergency services
- 10 treatment rooms
- Two triage rooms
- One trauma room
- On-site CT, X-ray and ultrasound imaging
- Full-service laboratory
TriStar said its $21 million ER will include:
- 11 treatment rooms
- One trauma room
- On-site laboratory services
- Advanced imaging capabilities
“Today’s approval represents an important investment in the future of Fairview and the surrounding communities we serve,” said Wyatt Chocklett, CEO of TriStar Horizon. “Families in this area have trusted TriStar Horizon for generations. This new facility will ensure patients can access high-quality emergency care closer to home when every minute matters.”
The new ER will bring “hospital-level emergency care and physician-led outpatient services” to Fairview residents, who currently have to travel out of the community for care, according to Ascension.
“We appreciate the support of our Fairview leaders, elected officials and the community’s passionate participation as we together celebrate the state Certificate of Need approval,” said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension St. Thomas. “We appreciate the confidence and support of community leaders, and look forward to joining Dickson Medical Associates as we move ahead with plans to bring the first emergency room to the area with coordinated outpatient care closer to home for the families.”
Some key benefits to having a freestanding ER include access to faster treatment, relieving pressure on hospital ERs by handling lower-to-moderate emergencies, better coverage for growing suburban areas and additional emergency capacity during disasters or major incidents.
The Ascension development will be located near the intersection of Fairview Boulevard and Audubon Cove.
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