UPDATE: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has just announced its plans to fully acquire Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville from Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS). This acquisition, which follows VUMC’s initial 20% stake in the facility since 2021, is set to enhance healthcare services in the rapidly growing Clarksville area.
This urgent move underscores VUMC’s commitment to providing high-quality care in more accessible and community-oriented settings. The 270-bed hospital will join VUMC’s expanding network of regional medical centers in Tennessee, which already includes facilities in Lebanon, Coffee County, and Shelbyville.
“This acquisition allows us to better serve the health care needs of this rapidly growing area,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC. The integration of the Clarksville hospital will bring a comprehensive range of adult and pediatric services to the region, directly benefiting the local population of over 200,000 residents.
The transition process is expected to be smooth, with VUMC committed to hiring nearly all employees of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville who are in good standing once the acquisition is finalized. Patients will experience no interruption in care during this transition, ensuring continuity of services.
Currently, Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville is recognized for its extensive services, including a designated Accredited Chest Pain Center and a Wound Care Center of Distinction. It also operates a freestanding emergency department and eight physician clinics, providing vital healthcare access to the community.
“Integrating the Clarksville hospital into our regional network is an exciting step forward,” added Jane Freedman, MD, Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer for VUMC. The hospital’s existing programs, including an OB-GYN hospitalist initiative and specialized cancer care services, will further enhance the healthcare landscape in Montgomery County.
This acquisition marks VUMC’s fourth regional hospital expansion, significantly strengthening its presence in Middle Tennessee, which has been recognized for a remarkable 24% population growth over the last decade. As Clarksville continues to grow as Tennessee’s fifth-largest city, the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare has never been more critical.
The acquisition is currently pending regulatory review, but VUMC assures the community that services will remain uninterrupted during this process. As VUMC works to finalize this acquisition, residents can look forward to enhanced healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of their growing community.
Stay tuned for more updates as VUMC continues to expand its commitment to healthcare excellence across Tennessee.
