Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation broke ground Oct. 30 on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Rutherford County, according to an Ascension announcement. The hospital is intended to expand access to specialized rehabilitation care in the county and surrounding region.
The two-story facility is planned to have about 62,700 square feet and 40 private patient rooms on a four-acre site less than 600 yards from Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Ascension said. The design allows for a possible future expansion of 10 beds, and Lifepoint Rehabilitation will operate the hospital through its joint venture with Ascension Saint Thomas.
Ascension said the hospital will provide intensive inpatient rehabilitation for people recovering from serious illnesses and injuries. Plans include a 12-bed acquired brain injury unit, physical therapy gym, covered outdoor therapy courtyard, pharmacy, dining areas and therapy work rooms. The announcement said the location is intended to help patients receive care closer to home rather than travel outside the region, including to Nashville.
The hospital is expected to create about 85.7 full-time-equivalent positions in its first year of operation, including an estimated 43.9 clinical and 41.8 nonclinical roles, according to Ascension. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027.
