FAQs

+ When will the new hospital open? Current plans call for an opening of the new hospital in 2010.   The current schedule calls for a design phase of 18 to 24 months (completed in 2008) with a construction schedule of 30 to 35 months (completed in 2010).

+ What will happen to the current hospital? The Bell Street Cancer Center, as well as some additional outpatient programs and physician offices, will continue operations at the current site.  The main hospital will likely be purchased and the buildings used for some sort of medical purpose.   What that is, we don't know at this point.

+ Will the current hospital be used as an inpatient psychiatric hospital? We don't know.   There have been some preliminary discussions with providers of those types of services.   Right now, all people needing inpatient psychiatric care have to go to Nashville for services.

+ Why doesn't MTSU buy the hospital, since it's so close? We continue to talk with many segments of the community, including MTSU, to find the best use for the existing hospital.   As we need to operate in the existing hospital for some time, locating a buyer or buyers may be some months into the future.

+ Why did the hospital need to move to a new location? Two primary reasons:   accessibility and no room to grow.   The Gateway location will provide ample room for growth and easy access for our patients from throughout the region with direct interstate access via Medical Center Parkway exit on I-24.  

+ Why can't the hospital just decide to build and do so? Tennessee law requires that new hospital facilities seek approval from the State's Health Services and Development Agency (HSDA.) MTMC is in the process of working through those necessary steps.  

+ How much will the new hospital cost? The project is expected to cost $278 million. In addition to the hospital facility, outpatient diagnostic and surgical facilities, and medical office buildings will be included on the site.   The hospital is planned for 286-beds with shelled space for additional beds.   There also are specific projections for 32 intensive care beds and 30 obstetrical beds.