SODDY-DAISY — Parkridge Health System’s new freestanding emergency room in Soddy-Daisy is on track to open sometime in spring 2024, officials said during a groundbreaking event Friday.
The 11,000-square-foot facility, which will be near the Harrison Lane exit off U.S. Highway 27, will cost roughly $16 million to build and will be the first to offer 24/7 emergency medical care in North Hamilton County. It will house 12 beds, a trauma room, diagnostic capabilities and support services — including CT, X-ray, on-site laboratory, pharmacy and radiology support.
Because it’s a “freestanding” emergency department, meaning not attached to a hospital able to admit patients, seriously ill or injured patients who need more specialized care must be transferred to another facility. A helipad will be on-site to allow for emergency air transportation.
While many patients are drawn to the convenience of freestanding emergency departments, research shows the facilities lead to higher health care spending and often treat conditions that could be handled in a primary care or urgent care setting.