Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates celebrate groundbreaking of new Fairview medical campus

$20.6 million Ascension Saint Thomas investment will bring 24/7 emergency care and expanded outpatient services to a growing community

Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates celebrated the groundbreaking of a new medical campus in Fairview, marking the start of construction on a development that will bring the community its first 24/7 emergency department and expanded outpatient services.

The development will include an 11,345-square-foot freestanding emergency department, owned and operated by Ascension Saint Thomas, alongside outpatient services provided by Dickson Medical Associates. The campus will give residents convenient access to emergency and physician-led outpatient care at one location.

"Fairview is a growing community, and we have an opportunity to bring essential emergency services closer to the families who live here," said Harrison Kiser, President of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West. "This investment expands access to emergency care and gives residents their first emergency department providing experienced care close to home. We are proud to partner with Dickson Medical Associates and the City of Fairview to support the health of this community."

Ascension Saint Thomas is investing $20.6 million to build and operate the new freestanding emergency department at 1866 Fairview Blvd. The facility will provide the same level of emergency care as a hospital-based emergency department, with experienced emergency physicians and clinical teams available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The facility will include:

• 10 treatment rooms, two triage rooms, and one trauma room
• On-site CT, X-ray, and ultrasound imaging
• A full-service laboratory
• Emergency services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

The facility is expected to create approximately 35 jobs once it opens.

Fairview has grown more than 36% since 2010, increasing the need for convenient access to health care. The new campus will bring together Ascension Saint Thomas emergency services and Dickson Medical Associates outpatient care, giving patients access to multiple levels of care in one location.

The partnership will support continuity of care and make it easier for patients to connect with physicians and access services close to home.

"In our new building, we will offer expanded options for primary care, express care, behavioral health, and other specialties. Our patients who need emergency care will get referred immediately next door to Ascension Saint Thomas. The proximity will be extremely valuable for patients," said Daniel Sherwood, MD, Family Physician with Dickson Medical Associates.

Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates are also working with the City of Fairview and nearby neighborhoods on site access and traffic flow as construction progresses. The partners are coordinating plans to support efficient operations while minimizing impacts on surrounding residents.

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission approved Ascension Saint Thomas' certificate of need application for the freestanding emergency department on May 27, 2026. Construction is now underway, with the emergency department expected to open in fall 2027.

Construction for the Dickson Medical Associates facility is expected to be completed in 2028.

The Fairview medical campus expands Ascension Saint Thomas' presence in Middle Tennessee and supports its commitment to bringing experienced, compassionate care to the communities it serves.