Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Expands Emergency Department, Nearly Doubling Capacity

Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital has expanded its emergency department, nearly doubling capacity to help meet growing demand for emergency care in Warren County and the surrounding region.

Hospital leaders, caregivers, and community partners gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting and blessing to celebrate the completion of the project.

The emergency department expanded from 12 beds to 21 beds, significantly increasing the hospital's ability to care for patients during medical emergencies. The expansion comes as Warren County has grown by nearly 4,000 residents since 2010, an increase of more than 9 percent.

"Warren County is growing, and our hospital is growing with it," said Eric Paul, president of Saint Thomas River Park. "With more than 23,500 emergency visits annually, this expansion strengthens our ability to respond when our neighbors need us most. It also creates a better environment for our caregivers while improving the experience for patients and families."

The emergency department expansion is part of a $15.2 million investment in hospital improvements, supported by a $7.6 million state grant secured with the support of Sen. Janice Bowling and Rep. Paul Sherrell and matched by Ascension Saint Thomas. The leaders helped champion the investment to strengthen healthcare access for residents of Warren County and surrounding communities.

"Access to quality healthcare close to home is incredibly important for rural communities like ours," said Sen. Janice Bowling. "I'm grateful to Ascension Saint Thomas River Park for their continued commitment to serving the people of Warren County and strengthening care in our region."

"I was proud to help support this investment because strong local healthcare is essential to the well-being of our community," said Rep. Paul Sherrell. "This expansion will help ensure families in Warren County and surrounding counties have access to the care they need right here in our community."

This investment is part of a broader modernization effort at Saint Thomas River Park that also includes a new intensive care unit, a renovated inpatient unit, and expanded clinical technology to support patients and caregivers. The hospital has also expanded services available locally, including telestroke care, acute dialysis, and robotic surgery, helping ensure patients can access advanced care without leaving the community.