Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is set to acquire an 80% stake in Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville in the US from Community Health Systems (CHS) subsidiaries for $600m, adding to its existing 20% interest.

The agreement encompasses the hospital, its associated medical practices, and independent emergency department.

The transaction is anticipated to be finalised in early 2026, pending standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

VUMC stated that the acquisition will enhance its capacity to provide care to patients throughout the region.

This initiative aims to deliver quality treatment for individuals with less complex needs in convenient, cost-effective community settings.

The 270-bed facility in Clarksville will join Vanderbilt Health's network in Tennessee, becoming the latest addition alongside Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, and Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital.

VUMC intends to employ nearly all staff members of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville, following the completion of the ownership transfer.

VUMC president and CEO and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine dean Jeff Balser said: “Expanding our services in Clarksville allows us to better serve the health care needs of this rapidly growing area.

“As we have in the other communities where we have purchased hospitals, we are making a serious commitment to the citizens of Montgomery County to deliver high-quality care close to home.”

Certain services supporting Montgomery County are already established through the organisations' multi-year partnership.

These include neonatal care in the hospital's Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, an OB-GYN hospitalist programme, and radiation oncology services from the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, provided by specialists from the Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

This acquisition represents VUMC's fourth expansion of regional hospitals, broadening its reach across Middle Tennessee beyond its inpatient facilities in Nashville. The acquisition of the Clarksville facility is still pending regulatory review.

In the meantime, patients at Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville will experience no disruption in care as VUMC and CHS collaborate to facilitate a seamless transition of ownership.

Recently, Tenor Health Foundation affiliates signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of three hospitals in Pennsylvania from CHS.