From major capital investments to new facilities, expanded service lines, and community outreach, Ascension Saint Thomas advanced healthcare across Middle Tennessee in 2025. Below is a look back at the milestones we shared this year.
Major Investments to Modernize Hospitals and Expand Access Across Middle Tennessee
Ascension Saint Thomas announced more than $537 million in investments to modernize hospitals, expand capacity and improve access across Middle Tennessee. The projects included upgrades to emergency departments, inpatient and surgical units, operating suites and cardiac catheterization labs, as well as new facility construction and advanced technology to improve patient care, reduce travel times, and increase capacity for the community. Ascension Saint Thomas West and Midtown will see modernization upgrades as part of the investment.
New Hospital and Health Campus in Clarksville-Montgomery County
Ascension Saint Thomas has received state approval to build a full-service hospital and health campus on a 96-acre site near I-24 and Highway 76 in Clarksville. The $148.5 million facility will open with 44 inpatient beds, with capacity to grow to 132, and will offer emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, women’s health with a NICU, orthopedics, and other key specialties, creating about 250 jobs. The state also approved a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation. The hospital will include private rooms, therapy gyms, and a dedicated acquired brain injury unit. Additional partnerships with Tennessee Oncology and Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance will bring advanced cancer, orthopedic, and surgical services to the campus, and a public-private partnership with Montgomery County will add a new EMS station. Together, these projects expand access to high-quality care and keep patients close to home.
Two Hospitals in Winchester and Sewanee Added to Footprint via Highpoint Health Joint Venture Expansion
Lifepoint Health and Ascension Saint Thomas expanded their Highpoint Health joint venture by adding two Southern Tennessee Regional Health System hospitals in Winchester and Sewanee. The facilities now operate under existing leadership as Highpoint Health Winchester and Highpoint Health Sewanee.
Rutherford Hospital Expands Critical Care Capacity and Opens New Ambulance Bay
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford expanded its Critical Care Unit by 18 beds and added a new ambulance bay as part of a $42 million project. The expansion increases capacity from 32 to 50 beds and is part of a larger long-term investment in the rapidly growing region. With rising population demands, the hospital anticipates hiring additional staff to support expanded services for Rutherford and surrounding counties.
Nationally Recognized Hospitals and Service Lines
In 2025, Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals and care teams earned national recognition for quality and safety. Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital was named to Newsweek’s 2025 list of World’s Best Hospitals. In maternity care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown earned “High Performing” recognition for 2026, the only hospital in Middle Tennessee to receive the honor.
“Nothing Shall Be Impossible” Campaign Returns with Renewed Focus on Hope and Healing
Ascension Saint Thomas relaunched its “Nothing Shall Be Impossible” campaign, rooted in faith, driven by medical excellence, and growing to meet the needs of tomorrow. The refreshed campaign emphasizes the health system’s mission to provide healing, hope, and medical innovation, highlighting physicians and caregivers as partners in overcoming health challenges. While updated with new visuals and storytelling, the campaign continues to reflect Ascension Saint Thomas’ core values of spiritual tradition, clinical excellence, and community-centered care.
Ascension Saint Thomas Landing and Premier Medicine Open at Nashville Yards
Ascension Saint Thomas Landing and Ascension Saint Thomas Premier Medicine opened at Nashville Yards, welcoming the community to a 1.3-acre hub featuring pickleball courts, fitness classes, open air concerts, and other wellness activities. Ascension Saint Thomas Premier Medicine provides personalized primary care and continues the organization’s 125-year legacy of serving the Nashville community.
State Approval Advances New Rehabilitation Hospital in Murfreesboro
Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation received state approval to build a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Murfreesboro, planned to open in 2027. The facility, adjacent to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, will provide intensive nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and speech pathology services for adults recovering from strokes, brain or spinal cord injuries, and other serious conditions. This is one of two new rehabilitation hospitals announced this year, with the other being located in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
Medical Mission at Home Delivers Free Care to More Than 860 Middle Tennesseans
Ascension Saint Thomas provided free medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health services to more than 860 people during the 2025 Medical Mission at Home. More than 950 volunteers supported the event, which has served more than 25,860 Tennesseans since 2008, reflecting Ascension Saint Thomas’s commitment to holistic, community-centered healthcare.
New Freestanding Emergency Department Planned for Eastern Rutherford County
Ascension Saint Thomas and Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC) announced plans for a new freestanding emergency department in Eastern Rutherford County, part of MMC’s upcoming medical and retail development near Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane. The $19 million project will bring state-of-the-art, around-the-clock emergency care to a rapidly growing part of the county and will complement the outpatient services MMC will offer on the same site. Ascension Saint Thomas continues to work together on planning and design while the project awaits final consideration by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. This is the second freestanding emergency department announced this year, with a new location planned for Lebanon through Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Completes Emergency Department Modernization and Access Improvements
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West completed a $10 million modernization that expanded its Emergency Department, improved patient flow, and upgraded cardiac and inpatient care areas. The renovation includes an improved layout to reduce wait times while supporting complex, high-acuity cases.
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital Opens Expanded ICU, Expands Emergency Department and Hospital Capacity
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital opened a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit to replace its former 8-bed unit. The $15.2 million project was funded by Ascension Saint Thomas and a partnership with the State of Tennessee. This growth reflects the health system’s commitment to improving rural healthcare access in Middle Tennessee. Following the ICU expansion, the hospital is moving forward with a major emergency department upgrade, increasing capacity from 12 to 21 beds to better meet community needs.
Explore these stories and more 2025 highlights on Ascension Saint Thomas News.
