Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates Announce New Medical Development in Fairview

Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates announced plans for a new medical development in Fairview, Tennessee, that will expand access to emergency and outpatient care for residents of the growing community. Pending state approval, the development will include Fairview's first freestanding emergency department, owned and operated by Ascension Saint Thomas, co-located with Dickson Medical Associates' upcoming outpatient medical facility to create a coordinated healthcare campus designed to meet local needs.

The development represents a significant investment in Fairview's healthcare infrastructure, with Ascension Saint Thomas anchoring the campus with a $20.6 million freestanding emergency department alongside Dickson Medical Associates' expanded outpatient services. Together, the campus will bring hospital-level emergency care and physician-led outpatient care to one convenient location for Fairview residents, many of whom currently travel outside the community for care.

The new development will be located near the intersection of Fairview Boulevard and Audubon Cove. Once completed, the facility will mark the first time Fairview has had a dedicated 24-hour emergency department in the community.

"This new freestanding emergency department ensures Fairview residents have access to lifesaving care close to home when every minute matters," said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. "By co-locating emergency services alongside Dickson Medical Associates' physician-led care, we are creating a coordinated healthcare campus that improves access, convenience and outcomes for Fairview families."

Dickson Medical Associates has served Fairview, Dickson, and neighboring communities since 1940, bringing decades of physician-led care to the region. Its new outpatient facility will offer patients convenient access to primary care, express care, behavioral health, and a range of medical and surgical subspecialties, supporting coordinated care alongside on-site emergency services.

"We are excited to partner with Ascension Saint Thomas on this expansion of healthcare access for Fairview," said Daniel Sherwood, M.D., family physician at Dickson Medical Associates-Fairview. "Co-locating our outpatient services with around-the-clock emergency care allows us to work more closely together and better support patients across their healthcare journey."

City leaders welcomed the announcement and noted the long-term impact the new medical campus will have as Fairview continues to grow. Fairview's population has grown by more than 36 percent since 2010, underscoring the need for expanded access to emergency and outpatient care close to home.

"This project represents an important step forward for our city," said Lisa Anderson, mayor of Fairview. "Having our first emergency department in Fairview strengthens public safety, improves access to emergency care and reflects the kind of thoughtful growth our community values. We appreciate Ascension Saint Thomas and Dickson Medical Associates working collaboratively with the city to meet the needs of our residents."

The Fairview freestanding emergency department will provide the same level of care as a hospital-based emergency room and will include:

• 24-hour emergency services
• 11,345-square-foot facility
• 10 treatment rooms, two triage rooms, and one trauma room
• On-site CT, X-ray and ultrasound imaging
• Full-service laboratory
• Experienced emergency physicians and clinical teams

Ascension Saint Thomas recently filed a certificate-of-need (CON) with the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. Upon approval, the project will move into design and construction, with continued coordination among project partners and community members.