Tennova Healthcare Delivering Quality Care and More to Knox County

4/2/2025

Total Community Benefit Estimated $388 million in 2024

Knoxville, TN (April 2nd, 2025) - Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 514,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Tennova Healthcare’s impact on Knox County and the surrounding areas totaled an estimated $388 million in 2024.

“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said Tony Benton, CEO of Tennova Healthcare - East Market. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in Knox County and the surrounding areas.”

Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center provided lifesaving, medically necessary care at more than 514,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, and provided nearly $149 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.

The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for Second Harvest and contributions to charitable organizations such as the Emerald Youth Foundation, the American Cancer Society Strides for Breast Cancer and Interfaith Health Clinic gives back to the community throughout the year.

To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center are investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. Capital projects in 2024 totaled approximately $39 million and included the addition of 36 beds and increasing the capacity to care for more patients, especially during times of high demand, such as flu seasons or public health emergencies. North Knoxville Medical Center’s major expansion project of the 98,000 square foot patient tower supports patients with the addition of 28 ICU beds, 28 adult acute beds, and an expanded emergency department with observation rooms. Additionally, Turkey Creek Medical Center enhanced access with the successful implementation of the Clinical Decision Unit, reducing ER admission and wait times for patients. Orthopedic and podiatry service lines have been strengthened by joining together to offer a comprehensive approach to treating musculoskeletal and foot-related conditions in one convenient location. This integration improves efficiency, reduces wait times, and fosters better communication between specialists, leading to more personalized and effective care.

The hospital also took steps to strengthen urology and orthopedic services with new suites, creating a comfortable, specialized environment tailored to the unique needs of patients. Primary care services for the community have grown with the recruitment of Dr. Escalante who supports Tennova Primary Care - North helping patients receive consistent, long-term care from a trusted provider who understands their health history and needs.

“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said Benton. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high-quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”

Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of more than $181 million. Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. The local economy is strengthened through the jobs offered and development of the future healthcare workforce. North Knoxville Medical Center’s new GME Residency program will play a key role in training the next generation of physicians, creating a steady supply of skilled doctors who are equipped to handle complex medical conditions for the community and Turkey Creek Medical Center’s Jersey College of Nursing supports the future of nursing.

In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center paid more than $19 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.

Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center and Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at https://www.tennovaturkeycreek.com/enewsletter-sign-up or https://www.tennovanorthknoxville.com/enewsletter-sign-up.

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