Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation break ground on new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Rutherford County

Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, today celebrated the groundbreaking of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Rehabilitation Hospital, a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital that will expand access to specialized rehabilitation services for patients throughout Rutherford County and the surrounding region.

The two-story, approximately 62,700-square-foot hospital will be located on a four-acre site less than 600 yards from Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. The 40-bed facility will feature all private patient rooms and is designed to accommodate a future expansion of 10 additional beds. Lifepoint Rehabilitation will serve as the hospital's operator through its joint venture partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas.

"For 100 years, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford has cared for generations of families in this community. As Rutherford County has grown, we've expanded our care locations to help more people get the care they need close to home," said Daphne David, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. "Through our partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation, we're extending that care to more patients recovering from serious illnesses and injuries, helping them transition from hospital treatment to specialized rehabilitation while staying close to their families and support systems."

The hospital will provide intensive inpatient rehabilitation for patients recovering from significant illnesses and injuries. Plans include a dedicated 12-bed acquired brain injury unit with specialized amenities, as well as a physical therapy gym, covered outdoor therapy courtyard, pharmacy, dining areas, and therapy work rooms designed to support patients throughout their recovery.

The new hospital will serve patients across Central Tennessee, one of the state's fastest-growing regions. The facility will give more patients the opportunity to receive specialized rehabilitation care closer to home, reducing the need for patients and their families to travel outside the region, including to Nashville, for care.

"Rehabilitation is about helping people rebuild the skills and confidence to return to their daily lives," said Russ Bailey, President of Lifepoint Rehabilitation. "Our work with Ascension Saint Thomas on this hospital brings that goal into focus, pairing Lifepoint Rehabilitation's extensive clinical and operational experience with Ascension Saint Thomas's strong reputation for quality care and longstanding role as a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. From the dedicated acquired brain injury unit to the therapy gym and outdoor courtyard, each element will support individualized care that helps patients work toward greater independence."

The proximity of the new rehabilitation hospital to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford will also support greater continuity of care for patients transitioning from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation. Integrated medical records and collaboration among providers will help facilitate a more seamless transition between care settings.

In addition to expanding access to rehabilitation services, the hospital is expected to create approximately 85.7 full-time equivalent positions during its first year of operation, including an estimated 43.9 clinical and 41.8 nonclinical positions.

Construction of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Rehabilitation Hospital is expected to be completed in late 2027.