In this episode of the Action Line, Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital President & CEO Daphne David joins Bryan Barrett to talk about big healthcare developments coming to Rutherford County in 2026 — including the upcoming Certificate of Need meeting for a proposed free-standing emergency department on Lascassas Pike that aims to expand 24/7 access to high-quality emergency care close to home.

Then, Dr. Stephen Rich, a highly regarded bariatric and general surgeon with Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, shares expert insight into bariatric surgery, the life-changing impact it’s having on patients, the weight-loss journey, and how his team supports individuals seeking sustainable health transformations. Listeners will hear real patient success stories and practical advice for those considering bariatric procedures.