BREAKING: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has just announced plans to fully acquire Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville from Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS), marking a major expansion in healthcare services for the rapidly growing region of Clarksville, Tennessee. This decisive move comes as VUMC strengthens its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare in community settings.
Since 2021, VUMC has held a 20% minority interest in the hospital, which includes a freestanding emergency department and associated physician practices. The full acquisition is expected to enhance VUMC’s ability to serve the healthcare needs of the surrounding population, particularly for patients requiring less complex care.
The 270-bed facility will become the newest addition to VUMC’s expanding network of regional medical centers in Tennessee, joining facilities in Lebanon, Coffee County, and Shelbyville. This acquisition is part of VUMC’s broader strategy to reach underserved communities while promoting cost-effective care.
“Expanding our services in Clarksville allows us to better serve the healthcare needs of this rapidly growing area,” stated Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC. The hospital is located in an area experiencing significant population growth, with Clarksville’s population increasing by 24% over the last decade, now exceeding 200,000 residents.
VUMC has pledged to hire nearly all employees of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville who are in good standing at the time of the acquisition, ensuring continuity of care and stability for the workforce. “Integrating the Clarksville hospital into our regional network is an exciting step forward,” said Jane Freedman, MD, Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer for VUMC.
Patients at Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville will experience no interruption in care as VUMC and CHS work to facilitate a smooth transition. The hospital is already delivering essential services, including an OB-GYN hospitalist program and radiation oncology through the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
This acquisition is currently pending regulatory review, but the urgency to expand healthcare access in Clarksville cannot be overstated. As VUMC integrates Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville into its network, residents can anticipate an increase in available adult and pediatric services, directly impacting their health and wellbeing.
The future looks promising for the residents of Montgomery County, as VUMC continues its mission to deliver high-quality medical care closer to home. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as VUMC moves forward with the acquisition.
