Ascension Saint Thomas will build a new freestanding emergency department (FSED) as part of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic’s (MMC) upcoming medical and retail development near the intersection of Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane. The health system’s $19 million investment will bring a much-needed, state-of-the-art emergency department to residents in eastern Rutherford County and will complement the care offered at MMC’s new outpatient facility on the same site. This project demonstrates how two of the county’s most experienced healthcare providers are working together to expand access to high-quality care close to home.
The facility expands the convenient care model already in place in Westlawn, where MMC Westlawn and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Westlawn Hospital care for patients in west Murfreesboro.
The new site will provide patients access to both MMC’s outpatient services and Ascension Saint Thomas’ around-the-clock emergency care, all in one convenient location. It will play a key role in Ascension Saint Thomas’ broader strategy to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare close to home for residents across Rutherford County.
Since December 2024, leaders from Ascension Saint Thomas and MMC have collaborated on the location’s development. The new facility will be located six miles northeast of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Before construction begins on the site, the plans must be approved by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission.
Rooted in Community and Physician Collaboration
The new emergency department expands Ascension Saint Thomas’ care network in Rutherford County. This network includes two hospitals, two emergency rooms, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery and imaging facilities, physical therapy, post-acute care, and a well-recognized, growing medical staff.
Collaborating with Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, the area’s largest primary and specialty care group, ensures the new development meets the community’s specific needs.
“Our initial plans focused on expanding MMC, with room for supportive services that included retail and childcare,” said Joey Peay, CEO of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. “But, after meeting with Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford leadership, we saw the opportunity to create something greater, similar to our successful Westlawn model, where a clinic and emergency department work side by side. That proximity has allowed us to collaborate closely and deliver better care for patients in that part of town.”
“This new facility is part of our vision in Rutherford County to deliver health, healing and hope to all through a connected, community-centered and physician partnership approach,” said Daphne David, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. “As Murfreesboro continues to grow, so does our responsibility to ensure that high-quality, faith-based healthcare is available for our patients closer to home when it’s needed most.”
“We are excited to see two of our community’s most respected healthcare institutions working together to expand services in eastern Rutherford County,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland. “This project provides more convenient access and supports our growing community needs in a way that is collaborative and forward-looking.”
Free Standing Emergency Department Highlights
- $19 million investment in advanced emergency care infrastructure
- 11,345-square-foot state-of-the-art facility
- 24/7 Emergency Services staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and experienced clinical teams
- On-Site Imaging and Diagnostics for efficient, high-quality care
- Connected to Ascension Saint Thomas health system for seamless patient transfers, follow-up care, and specialty network
- Patient-Centered Design aligned with modern healthcare best practices
- 10 treatment rooms
- 2 triage rooms
- 1 trauma room
- Full-service laboratory
