Ascension Saint Thomas River Park proudly announces the acquisition of a significant $7.6 million grant from the state, which will be matched by Ascension Saint Thomas, totaling $15.2 million. These funds will be utilized to enhance various departments within the hospital, particularly focusing on advancing the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU).
To facilitate the expansion of our ED and ICU, we will be relocating our current 8-bed ICU unit to the 3rd floor, expanding it to a 12-bed unit. Simultaneously, we will expand our current 12-bed ED into the space vacated by our ICU, resulting in an increase in available ED beds to 21. This strategic move will allow us to keep more patients closer to home, aligning with our commitment to provide convenient and accessible care for our community.
"This project is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of the McMinnville community," said Dale Humphrey, CEO at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park. "Our expansion plan is not just about physical growth but a strategic effort to better serve the evolving healthcare needs of our residents. We are excited to provide updates as these projects come to fruition."
In an on-going dedication to serving the community, Ascension Saint Thomas River Park has also secured a significant donation totaling $138,000 from the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation. This substantial contribution will significantly support our ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services in McMinnville.
Of this funding, $110,000 will be allocated towards the addition of two Tablo Dialysis Units, which will begin service in Spring 2024. This new offering at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park aims to improve the care experience for patients, families, nurses, and physicians, bringing acute dialysis care services back to McMinnville. Individuals with hospital admission needs will no longer face the burden of traveling miles away from their homes. With the introduction of the Tablo Dialysis service, residents can access high-quality care right here at their local hospital in McMinnville, marking a significant step towards a more accessible and patient-centric healthcare landscape.
“The introduction of Tablo Dialysis at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park marks a significant milestone,” said Dale Humphrey, president, and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas River Park. "The benefits of this portable device has enabled us to deliver treatment anywhere within our facility and train a broader pool of nurses, providing us with more options to better serve our patients. For too long, patients requiring acute dialysis care were faced with the challenge of being sent miles away from their homes. With this new offering, we are bringing state-of-the-art dialysis services right here to McMinnville."
The additional $28,000 will facilitate the installation of a nuclear stress treadmill, enabling crucial studies to be conducted on weekends. Furthermore, the hospital itself is investing in the equipment and software necessary to reopen our sleep lab.
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park is honored to be recognized as a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) five-star rated hospital, a distinction shared by only three others in Tennessee. As a vital part of the broader Ascension Saint Thomas network, which operates six rural hospitals, we are committed to bringing high-quality healthcare closer to home for McMinnville. The generous contributions we've received will enable us to expand our services and facilities, ensuring that our residents continue to receive top-quality care locally.
