As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable strides Ascension Saint Thomas made in healthcare innovation, community care, and patient outcomes across Tennessee in 2024. From groundbreaking heart procedures to cutting-edge artificial intelligence in cardiovascular care, the health system has been at the forefront of improving healthcare for Tennessee communities. Below are some of the top achievements and stories from Ascension Saint Thomas in 2024.
Expanded Home Health Partnership Across Tennessee
Ascension Saint Thomas has partnered with Compassus to expand its home health services across more than a dozen counties in Tennessee. The expanded partnership now includes counties such as Cheatham, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, and others in both Middle and West Tennessee, providing critical home-based healthcare services to more patients in need. This expansion marks a major milestone in making healthcare more accessible and convenient for Tennesseans.
Three-Star Rating for Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West earned an esteemed three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its excellence in heart surgeries, including aortic valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR+CABG) and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This recognition places the hospital among the best in the U.S. and Canada for heart surgery quality.
Groundbreaking FDA-Approved Heart Procedures in Nashville
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart introduced a first-of-its-kind heart procedure to Nashville, offering a new, less invasive option for treating heart valve disorders. This cutting-edge FDA-approved procedure is designed to improve patient outcomes and provide a life-changing alternative for those with complex heart conditions. The successful implementation of the TriClip TEER procedure is attributed to the collaborative effort of Ascension Saint Thomas Heart’s Structural Heart team.
AI-Powered Revolution in Cardiovascular Care
Ascension Saint Thomas is the first hospital in Tennessee to implement egnite’s CardioCare® technology, a breakthrough artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance cardiovascular care. The innovative system offers clinicians real-time insights and smart interventions, revolutionizing patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular treatment.
Pioneering Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart made history by performing the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using the newly FDA-approved EVOQUE system for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This innovative treatment positions Ascension Saint Thomas as a leader in structural heart care and reflects the hospital’s role in advancing cutting-edge medical technologies.
Recognized Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals
Several Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals received top honors in 2024. Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford was named one of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” for high performance in key specialties, including heart failure, hip replacement, and colon cancer surgery. Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital also earned recognition as a top regional hospital in Nashville’s metro area.
National Recognition for Stroke Care Excellence
Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, West, and Rutherford hospitals were recognized with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® — Stroke Gold Plus award for their exceptional stroke care. This honor reflects the hospitals’ dedication to providing the highest standards of care and improving patient outcomes in stroke treatment.
Educational Collaboration to Shape Future Nurses
Ascension Saint Thomas West, in partnership with Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing and Trevecca Nazarene University, opened a new Advanced Clinical Learning Center to train the next generation of nurses. This cutting-edge educational facility is equipped with high-tech tools to ensure students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.
Celebrating Advancements in Neonatal Care
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) expanded by 35%, adding six new bassinets and enhancing its ability to care for the tiniest patients. The expansion, supported by a generous donation from the Lee Moss Family, solidifies Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s commitment to delivering exceptional care to newborns and their families.
Expansion of Maternity Services
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford and Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown have been recognized among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in 2025. Both hospitals received the prestigious “High Performing” recognition for their dedication to exceptional maternity care.
Health and Wellness Hub at Nashville Yards
Ascension Saint Thomas is set to redefine urban wellness with the creation of Ascension Saint Thomas Landing at Nashville Yards. Opening in 2025, this 1.3-acre open-air green space will serve as a community hub featuring an amphitheater, dog park, fitness classes, and outdoor events. Designed to promote physical and mental well-being, it will become a vibrant gathering place for residents and workers in the growing downtown Nashville area.
