MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Neurosurgery numbers are up in the Rutherford County area as more specialty surgeons are being funneled into the community, with growth bringing an increased need for extended care. One of those specialties focuses on the spine, neck and brain.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Ernest J. Wright with the Howell Allen Clinic highlighted the scope of surgeries he routinely conducts in Rutherford County on a daily basis... Dr. Wright practices out of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford and at Ascension medical facilities in more rural settings within an hour drive of Murfreesboro. He went on to discuss how modern imaging systems, robotic-assisted tools, minimally invasive procedures and other technological advancements are leading to improved outcomes for patients. In many cases, newer techniques can reduce pain, shorten recovery times and lessen hospital stays compared to procedures performed years ago.

Neurosurgery can involve a wide range of procedures tied to the nervous system, including surgical treatment for brain tumors, spinal injuries, chronic back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, nerve compression, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders. Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford President and CEO Daphne David said the demand for neurological procedures has grown alongside the county population... While many people often associate neurosurgery strictly with brain surgery, much of the field also focuses on spinal and nerve-related procedures that can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life.

Outside of the realm of neurology, the hospital operates two separate emergency departments in Murfreesboro and is home to one of the busiest ERs in the state... Ascension has a full-service, multi-specialty hospital on Medical Center Parkway and a second location that serves as a freestanding emergency room on Veterans Parkway near I-840. The organization is also opening a third location, which will be its second freestanding emergency room in Rutherford County. The third location will be just over 11,000 square feet in size and cost about $19 million to construct. After receiving the green light to move forward with plans, construction began earlier this year in March. It is being built near the intersection of Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane in Murfreesboro.

Hospital officials say continued growth across Rutherford County and surrounding communities has increased the demand for specialized medical services, particularly in areas such as neurosurgery, emergency medicine and trauma-related care.

Ascension Saint Thomas is also building another standalone emergency department about 60 miles west of Murfreesboro in Fairview, Tennessee. The newest location to receive approval from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission sits almost exactly six miles off the I-840 / Highway 100 interchange and is part of a new healthcare campus with the Dickson Medical Associates physician-led outpatient facility. Together, the coordinated healthcare campus is designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Fairview community.

• Listen to the latest interview (podcast) by Clicking Here. 

Need More Details or Contact Information?

• Click Here for Contact Information on Dr. Ernest J. Wright, of the Howell Allen Clinic.
• For Details on Ascension Saint Thomas in Murfreesboro, Click Here.
• For information on Daphne David (Photo Above), the President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Click Here.