Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital Celebrates ICU Expansion

Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital celebrated the opening of its newly expanded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony on Monday, Sept. 22. This milestone represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the McMinnville community.

Hospital leaders, care teams, community members and elected officials gathered to mark the completion of the 12-bed, state-of-the-art ICU located on the hospital's renovated third floor. The new unit replaces the former 8-bed ICU and offers expanded capacity, cutting-edge technology and enhanced patient spaces designed to provide more timely and lifesaving care close to home.

The $15.2 million project was made possible through a $7.6 million grant from the State of Tennessee, matched by Ascension Saint Thomas, and reflecting the organization's ongoing commitment to advancing rural healthcare.

"We are especially grateful to Senator Janice Bowling, Representative Paul Sherrell, and Representative Michael Hale for their advocacy and support in helping make this vision a reality," said Neal Kelley, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas regional hospitals. "We remain focused on ensuring that Middle Tennesseans have access to compassionate, expert care, no matter where they live."

Next Phase: Emergency Department Expansion

With the ICU now open, Saint Thomas River Park Hospital is moving forward with the next phase of its facility upgrades. Construction is underway on a major expansion of the emergency department, which will grow from 12 to 21 beds. The project is expected to be completed by March 2026 and will utilize space formerly occupied by the old ICU.

Designed to improve efficiency and patient experience, the expanded emergency department will help meet rising demand for emergency services in the McMinnville area. Like the ICU, this phase is part of the $15.2 million joint investment between Ascension Saint Thomas and the State of Tennessee.

Ascension Saint Thomas remains dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, community-based care across Middle Tennessee. By continuing to invest in local hospitals such as River Park, the health system is strengthening its commitment to serve individuals and communities with care that is close to home.