RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In a year marked by continued growth in Rutherford County, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital continues to make advances to better serve the ever-changing landscape. Originally established as Middle Tennessee Medical Center in 1927, the hospital has witnessed remarkable changes. Those changes started upon first opening the doors to a modest population of 32,000 residents 96-years ago, to over 360,000 residents today. The hospital's transformative journey mirrors the growth of the county. 

In 2023, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital unveiled two major investments that underscore its commitment to the community's well-being.

One noteworthy addition is the state-of-the-art cardiology department, with over $5-million invested for equipment in their cutting-edge surgery suite... That was Hospital President & CEO Gordon Ferguson. This accomplishment represents a significant medical milestone for Rutherford County, marking the first time such a procedure has been performed within its borders.

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford expanded its reach in 2023 with the opening of Westlawn, the first neighborhood hospital in Tennessee, situated on Veterans Parkway near Interstate 840 in Murfreesboro. Boasting a 24-hour emergency room and eight inpatient hospital rooms, Westlawn strengthens the hospital's commitment to accessible healthcare.

As the population of Rutherford County continues to surge, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital remains agile in meeting the growing healthcare demands. Ferguson confirmed that the hospital has witnessed a proportional increase in ambulance traffic at their emergency room on Medical Center Parkway. To address this, a new ambulance drop-off point is being constructed. At the same time, the hospital is also expanding its critical care unit from 32 beds to 50 beds... These developments will help to serve Rutherford County and surrounding areas as the amplification of Middle Tennessee continues. The third floor of this project will allow for more future expansions at the hospital, but those additions are still in the works.  Visit Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford HERE or Westlawn HERE. You can also listen to our full interview with Ferguson HERE.