This summer, Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas—which operates hospitals and freestanding ERs in the region—filed for a Certificate of Need after purchasing seven acres on Sage Road in White House. If approved by the state, the healthcare provider would be allowed to build the first-ever emergency services in the city. This would greatly reduce travel times and support better health outcomes for residents experiencing an emergency.

Rooted in the community and with a track record for operating high-quality ERs (their freestanding ER in Gallatin has a 99% patient satisfaction score), Highpoint Health offers Robertson County residents an excellent healthcare choice.

“We really want to bring something new to the community,” says Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas CEO Rod Harkleroad. “With our origins in Gallatin and practices that go above the industry norms, like having board-certified, emergency-trained physicians in our ERs 24/7, we think we’re the right fit for White House.”

Approximately 70,000-80,000 people in Robertson County currently only have one healthcare choice. Due to insurance constraints, this may mean a trek to downtown Nashville for patients needing to be seen within their provider’s network. The addition of a Highpoint Health ER would change that.

“We just want to be good partners and do what’s right in the community,” Rod says. “The most important piece for us is that everyone identifies that there is a need for an ER in White House.”

The need is recognized. Neighboring TriStar, which is owned by HCA, has also filed a Certificate of Need for a freestanding ER.

“What we’ve been hearing from the community is that they want and need an ER,” Rod adds. “We’re excited to be a part of the conversation.”

It's a conversation that should flatter White House residents.

“You have two companies wanting to come into the same place at the same time. It shows that you’re evolving as a community,” Rod says. “Healthcare systems and other businesses want to come in, so it does create a spark that says, ‘Hey we’re becoming a major player in the Nashville market now.’”

Just as White House has grown, swelling by over 20% in the past few years, Highpoint Health has grown. Lifepoint Health and Ascension Saint Thomas formed Highpoint Health in a joint venture partnership this past December. Since then, implementing teleneurology and major advancements to the cardiovascular care program have taken place, in addition to the development of a quality review system and the start of a full-time chaplaincy program.

Highpoint Health Marketing Director, Cari Lambrecht says, “Highpoint Health combines two companies that complement each other to expand access to high-quality care and services in this region.”

Another element ensuring patients receive premium care is Highpoint Health’s board-certified doctors. Whether they are at the freestanding ER or the hospital in Gallatin, the care model is consistent, according to Rod. “The same doctors serve both, for example,” he says, “That’s really important from an acuity standpoint.”

Local accessibility infused with excellence.

While Highpoint Health wants to gain approval from the state for a freestanding ER in White House, they’re commitment to the community goes beyond the pending approval. “We want to be good partners with all the hospitals in the area and make sure they are great for the people who live here,” says Rod.

In the months to follow, Stay Positive News will feature additional articles giving readers a glimpse behind the scenes at Highpoint.

Check out more and show your support at WhiteHouseER.com.