CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A pivotal hearing will be held on Wednesday morning to determine the future of health care in Clarksville.

Both TriStar Health and Ascension Saint Thomas are vying to open new hospitals in the area. However, they'll need state approval to do so.

“We have a lot of confidence the program that we've designed, in partnership with the community, will meet the health care needs of the community and reduce that out-migration," Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Fahad Tahir told News 2 on Tuesday. "I'm glad it's being acknowledged that half of Montgomery County residents are choosing to travel outside of the county to receive their care."

In a letter from Tennova leaders, obtained by our partners at Clarksville Now, they said they don't think the two new hospitals prevent area patients from seeking health care outside of Clarksville. They also mention concerns over retaining staff.

Yet both Ascension and TriStar are doubling down on their efforts to bring new options to Clarksville.

“We already have 500 nurses who live in Clarksville and work at our hospitals but have to make long commutes, many of whom are military veterans or military family members. And so, for us, this is an opportunity to create a hospital that will allow very talented and very important members of our team to take care of their own friends and family close to home,” TriStar Health Senior Vice President for Strategy and Development David Whelan said.

Before TriStar or Ascension can break ground, they'll need a Certificate of Need from the state. Wednesday morning, both companies are offering help getting residents to a 9 a.m. hearing that will help determine that.

Clarksvillians who feel they would like more hospital options are welcome to voice that at the Cordell Hull State Office Building in downtown Nashville.

“People are choosing to make that difficult drive when they don't feel good to Nashville to have access to care and we feel like we can make that easier for patients by bringing Saint Thomas to the community within Clarksville Montgomery County,” Tahir said.

Ascension Saint Thomas is coordinating a caravan at the Exit 11 Park n Ride, leaving by 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

TriStar will offer a bus ride, leaving the Mosaic Church. Residents are asked to arrive by 7:45 a.m.

“So, we're excited to be on the north side of town, near the military base, near the industrial park, where so much new housing has been built," Whelan said. "We feel like that really stands out as a reason for our hospital to be approved."

Wednesday’s 9 a.m. hearing will take place in Senate Room 1.  

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/clarksville/pivotal-meeting-to-determine-clarksvilles-health-care-future/