Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Completed $10 Million Investment to Modernize Emergency Department and Expand Patient Access

Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West has completed a $10 million investment to modernize its Emergency Department. The project expands capacity and improves the patient experience to meet the growing health care needs of Middle Tennessee. The newly renovated Emergency Department will open to the public July 9, following a ribbon-cutting celebration on July 8.

"Saint Thomas Hospital West has a long-standing reputation for delivering advanced, high-quality emergency care," said Harrison Kiser, president of Saint Thomas Hospital West. "This project reinforces our commitment to providing life-saving treatment for the most complex and critical cases, while also creating a better overall experience for our patients, neighbors and community. By improving patient flow and expanding capacity, we expect these updates to significantly reduce wait times and enhance access to emergency care when every second counts."

Advancing Emergency Care

The modernization includes:

• Three new emergency rooms to increase capacity and accommodate more high-acuity patients
• Six new fast-track rooms to reduce wait times for patients with non-emergent needs
• An upgraded cardiac CT scanner to enhance cardiac care and improve rapid stroke and heart attack diagnosis
• Geriatric-focused updates, including ADA-compliant bathrooms, anti-slip flooring and specialized lighting. The hospital was the first in Tennessee to receive Level III Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians
• A redesigned layout to improve workflow and reduce patient wait times
• An expanded EMS lounge that provides a more comfortable, dedicated space for first responders

The Emergency Department is equipped to handle complex and critical medical cases. As part of a full-service acute care hospital, it connects patients directly to advanced imaging, surgical teams, inpatient care and follow-up specialists - all in one location. This integrated model supports timely treatment and often eliminates the need to transfer patients for higher levels of care.

A Higher Level of Emergency Care

As an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, Saint Thomas Hospital West provides 24/7 emergency care supported by specialists in cardiovascular, stroke, transplant, neurology and orthopedic services. About 40 percent of emergency department patients require admission, which is double the national average and highlights the hospital's capacity to manage complex, high-acuity cases.

Beyond emergency treatment, patients benefit from a strong continuum of care that includes timely follow-up with specialists in cardiology, neurology, surgery, orthopedics and other areas. This coordinated care improves outcomes and supports smooth transitions from emergency services to long-term treatment.

Commitment to the Community

For more than 50 years, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West has served as a trusted leader in advanced emergency care for Middle Tennessee. This modernization reflects the hospital's continued investment in patients, care teams and the region's long-term health care needs.