Vanderbilt Medical Center to Fully Acquire Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville

Leaders of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have announced plans to acquire full ownership of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS). This strategic move follows VUMC’s initial investment of a 20% minority interest in the hospital, which has been in place since 2021. The acquisition will enhance VUMC’s capacity to deliver healthcare services to patients in the region, aligning with the Medical Center’s goal to provide high-quality care in more accessible and cost-effective community settings.

As part of this transition, the 270-bed Clarksville facility will join VUMC’s expanding network of regional medical centers in Tennessee. This network includes Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon, which opened in 2019, as well as Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital and Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, both of which joined the network in 2021.

VUMC is committed to enhancing healthcare services for the residents of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the surrounding areas. The Medical Center plans to incorporate a broad range of adult and pediatric services, reflecting its ongoing investment in people, programs, and facilities.

In a statement regarding the acquisition, Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of VUMC, emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare services in Clarksville. “Expanding our services in Clarksville allows us to better serve the healthcare needs of this rapidly growing area,” he said. “As we have in other communities where we have purchased hospitals, we are making a serious commitment to the citizens of Montgomery County to deliver high-quality care close to home.”

Certain services that support the Montgomery County region are already established. During their previous partnership, Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville and VUMC have successfully initiated various programs, including an OB-GYN hospitalist program, radiation oncology services through the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and neonatal care provided by specialists from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The acquisition marks VUMC’s fourth regional hospital expansion, further solidifying its presence in Middle Tennessee. This latest purchase is currently subject to regulatory review. In the meantime, patients at Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville will experience no disruption in care as VUMC and CHS collaborate to ensure a seamless transition of ownership.

Jane Freedman, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for VUMC, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Clarksville Hospital into the regional network. “Integrating the Clarksville hospital into our regional network is an exciting step forward,” she stated. “We look forward to collaborating with the dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff to support the community and expand access to care.”

Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services. The facility has received several prestigious designations, including an Accredited Chest Pain Center and a Wound Care Center of Distinction. It also boasts the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. Additionally, the hospital features a freestanding emergency department located nearby and eight physician clinics.

According to the Clarksville Economic Development Council, the city has a population exceeding 200,000 and has experienced a remarkable 24% population growth over the past decade. Clarksville is now recognized as Tennessee’s fifth-largest city and continues to be acknowledged for its consistent annual population increase.

As VUMC takes on the full ownership of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville, the Medical Center aims to foster a stronger healthcare landscape in the region, ensuring that residents receive the necessary medical care in their community.