New Hospitals Approved for Clarksville Following Controversial Vote

New Hospitals to Bring Hope and Choice to Clarksville

Nashville, Tenn. – A significant development is on the horizon for the Clarksville area as two new hospitals are set to open following a tense hearing at the state capitol. The event drew hundreds of residents who passionately advocated for the approval of these projects, emphasizing the urgent need for more healthcare options in the region.

Jessica Baladad, a breast cancer survivor, was among those present at the hearing. She wore her breast cancer awareness colors to highlight the importance of accessible healthcare. Seven years after her diagnosis, she remains grateful for the care she received but recalls the challenges she faced when traveling 2,500 miles round trip to Nashville for treatment. Her experience at Tennova Healthcare, where multiple doctors were involved in malpractice lawsuits, left her with concerns about the quality of care available locally.

Baladad spoke out against what she described as a monopoly by Tennova, which she believes has led to complacency and lower standards of care. She emphasized the long wait times and poor emergency room experiences that have been reported by many in the community.

The hearing was packed with supporters of the new hospital projects, including state and local leaders who voiced their support for the applications. Residents shared personal stories of family members who did not receive adequate care at Tennova, with some even reporting tragic outcomes. These accounts underscored the community's deep-seated concerns about the current healthcare landscape.

Mitch Edgeworth, President of HCA Healthcare TriStar Division, highlighted the need for more choices in healthcare for Clarksville. He stated that one hospital is insufficient for a city of its size and that the proposed projects will offer residents greater access and prevent them from traveling outside the area for medical care.

Both TriStar and Ascension Saint Thomas presented data showing that over half of the people in Clarksville seeking medical care travel to Nashville. The combined investment of over $430 million in healthcare infrastructure signals a major commitment to improving services in the region. Future expansions could further enhance the availability of care once the initial patient rooms are operational.

Fahad Tahir, President of Ascension St. Thomas, emphasized that the new hospitals can meet 92% of the community’s needs within the area. He argued that if residents had confidence in the local healthcare system, most of their care could remain in Clarksville, reducing the burden of travel and increasing accessibility.

Tennova representatives, however, contested the necessity of the new facilities, claiming they already provide high-quality care and that the addition of more hospitals would not bring any new services to the area. They also expressed concerns that the competition could harm the existing healthcare market.

Attorney Travis Swearingen pointed out that Tennova already struggles with staffing and patient volume. He questioned the logic of adding new hospitals when the existing ones are not fully utilized. He argued that such an approach does not align with effective health planning or geographic service distribution.

During the hearing, board members questioned hospital representatives before unanimously approving both applications. They expressed hope that the new hospitals would encourage Tennova to improve its quality of care and attract more resources to the area.

Baladad urged the community to embrace these developments, believing that Clarksville deserves better healthcare. She emphasized the importance of dignity, trust, and compassion in the healthcare system, which she feels has been lacking.

The arrival of these new hospitals marks a turning point for Clarksville, offering residents the promise of improved access, higher standards of care, and a more competitive healthcare environment. As the projects move forward, the community looks forward to a future where healthcare is more accessible, reliable, and responsive to their needs.