MURFREESBORO, TN — Ascension Saint Thomas is set to expand its footprint in Rutherford County with a new freestanding emergency department (FSED), marking a $19 million investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure. The ER will be adjacent to a new Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC) that’s under construction now on Lascassas Pike and Pitts Lane.
The new emergency department will provide around-the-clock emergency care for residents in eastern Rutherford County, complementing MMC’s outpatient facility at the same location. This partnership underscores how two of the area’s leading healthcare providers are working together to enhance access to high-quality, patient-centered care close to home.
Expanding a Proven Care Model - The new site builds on a successful framework already in place in Westlawn, where MMC Westlawn and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Westlawn Hospital provide integrated care for patients in west Murfreesboro. The expansion will further Ascension Saint Thomas’ mission to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions across Rutherford County.
“After meeting with Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford leadership, we saw the opportunity to create something greater—similar to our successful Westlawn model,” said Murfreesboro Medical Clinic’s CEO Joey Peay. “That collaboration has allowed us to provide more efficient and effective care for patients in that area.”
Strategic Growth in Rutherford County
The new 11,345-square-foot free-standing ER, located six miles northeast of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, will feature:
- 24/7 emergency services with board-certified physicians
- On-site imaging and diagnostics for immediate care
- 10 treatment rooms, 2 triage rooms, and a trauma suite
- Full-service laboratory
- Integrated connection to Ascension Saint Thomas’ healthcare network for seamless patient transfers and follow-up care
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s President and CEO Daphne David notes, “This project aligns with our vision to deliver health, healing, and hope through a connected, community-centered approach. As Murfreesboro grows, we remain committed to making high-quality, faith-based healthcare more accessible.”
Approval Process and Next Steps
Since December 2024, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic and Ascension Saint Thomas leaders have collaborated on the development of this medical hub. Before construction begins, plans must be approved by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission.
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland praised the initiative, noting how the collaboration between these two major healthcare institutions will significantly improve access to emergency and outpatient services for local residents.
The facility marks another milestone in Ascension Saint Thomas’ expanding care network, which includes two hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery and imaging facilities, physical therapy, post-acute care, and a growing medical staff across Rutherford County.
Construction timelines and additional details on the project will be announced following approval from state health officials. NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed.
About Ascension Saint Thomas - Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, nonprofit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 320 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of 18 hospitals and a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its partner organizations employ more than 13,000 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia.Visit http://ascension.org.
About Murfreesboro Medical Clinic - Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & SurgiCenter (MMC) is a physician-owned, multi-specialty clinic committed to providing exceptional patient care with a focus on compassion, innovation, and excellence. Founded in 1949, MMC has grown to include more than 20 specialties and multiple convenient locations across Rutherford County, making comprehensive healthcare accessible for families throughout Middle Tennessee. With a collaborative team of providers, advanced technology and a dedication to continuous improvement, MMC strives to be a trusted healthcare partner for every stage of life.Visit Murfreesboro Medical Clinic