Battle continues over proposed Bradley County emergency room

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over a proposed new emergency room in Cleveland is continuing to heat up.

Despite there being over 110,000 people in Bradley County, the Bradley County Medical Center operated by nonprofit Vitruvian Health remains the only emergency room in the Cleveland area.

They are petitioning against the addition of a second emergency room from Parkridge Medical Center, something that has drawn a response from Parkridge.

Meanwhile, we spoke with Bradley County resident Deborah Jones.

She said went to the emergency room at Bradley Medical Center on Tuesday for chest pains.

She says that the emergency room was a busy place.

Jones described, “There I sat there for quite a while before they got me back for an EKG and then I sat there for probably about four hours before they ever decided to do bloodwork. Admitted me into the ER then they were gonna admit me into a room and I end up staying all night in the ER on a gurney… The doctors and nurses were very kind and very nice, but when you’re laying all night long on a gurney with no pillow and IV’s in your arm, it’s not very comfortable.”

Vitruvian Health, the non-profit who operates Bradley Medical Center, issued the following response to this story:

 “Bradley Medical Center, recently acquired by Vitruvian Health, is now a not-for-profit facility dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of our community and enhancing the patient experience.

Due to HIPAA regulations, we are unable to address details publicly. However, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss any concerns directly by contacting  our Patient Experience Director at (423) 559-7567.

All regional healthcare systems are currently experiencing an increase in upper respiratory viruses during the holiday season. We encourage the community to take precautions—wash hands frequently, monitor symptoms, and seek care when needed. If you are experiencing a persistent cough, congestion, fever, or difficulty breathing, please reach out to your physician promptly.

At our facility, we are committed to Excellence—Every Person, Every Time, and we truly value feedback that helps us deliver the highest quality care.”

This comes amid their petition against Parkridge Medical, who wants to build an 11 room freestanding emergency room (FSED) on the Cleveland Bypass at Blackburn Road on the south side of Cleveland.

In their petition and on numerous social media posts, Vitruvian Health says that this new emergency room would drive up healthcare costs and divert treatment to Chattanooga.

They state on their petition quote,

“Parkridge Medical Center is a for-profit hospital owned by HCA. HCA’s business strategy is to use FSED’s to channel patients to its hospitals even when a hospital like Bradley is closer, has lower rates, and has the same services. Bradley County residents who needed further care would likely be transferred to Parkridge in Hamilton County instead of to Bradley Medical Center, four miles away…. The Parkridge FSED will offer no services not available at the Bradley ER. Parkridge’s rates are substantially higher than Bradley’s. Approval of the Parkridge FSED means more travel, higher cost and less access to Bradley Medical Center’s connected care for Bradley County residents. Stand with us to keep care local, accessible and community focused…

When you or your loved ones need emergency care, minutes matter. Bradley Medical Center’s emergency department is integrated with our full-service hospital with surgical teams, specialists, imaging, labs, inpatient units and coordinated follow-up care in the same building or just minutes away. Parkridge Medical Center’s proposed emergency room does not.

Freestanding emergency rooms are not community care providers. They charge hospital-level ER fees without hospital-level services. When you or a loved one requires more advanced care, you maybe transferred to providers in Chattanooga at a time when you are most vulnerable. Together, we can keep healthcare local, accessible and community focused.”

In response to this, Parkridge CEO Chris Crosby issued this statement to News 12:

“The proposed Parkridge Cleveland ER will strengthen emergency care access at a time when this community is growing faster than the system can keep up. With more than 110,000 residents and thousands of new homes, businesses, and commuters coming into the area, relying on a single hospital creates longer waits and fewer options when minutes matter. Adding a second, full-service ER helps relieve that pressure, lowers wait times, and adds competition that raises the standard of emergency care for everyone. This project is about meeting people where they are. The location on the south side of Cleveland places emergency care directly along one of the region’s most traveled corridors and closer to families in southern Bradley County and neighboring Polk County, which does not have a hospital or 24/7 emergency room. Shortening travel times and improving ambulance access can make a real difference for patients experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or serious injuries. Backed by Parkridge Medical Center and HCA Healthcare, the Parkridge Cleveland ER would deliver high-quality, 24/7 emergency care with board-certified physicians, modern facilities, and the same clinical standards used throughout the region. This is an investment in better outcomes, faster care, and a healthcare system that is prepared for the growth already happening in Bradley County.”

Jones says she hopes that a solution can be reached.

She said, “I would just say that they need to work together. Embrace each other and let’s work to improve Cleveland’s health.”

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission will have to hear Parkridge’s case to build this new hospital as they have applied for a Certificate of Need to approve the new freestanding emergency room.

That date has not been set.