First freestanding emergency department opens in West Tennessee

ARLINGTON, Tenn. — Thousands of people in West Tennessee will soon have quicker access to medical care.

When Baptist Arlington Emergency Department opens Monday, it will be West Tennessee’s first freestanding emergency department. It also will be the only hospital access for many between Bartlett and Jackson.

“We’re very excited because I can think of recent events where this could have made the difference,” said Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman. “The closest place to Arlington is Bartlett, but when you think about between here and Jackson there’s no advanced medical care. So to have a facility like this that can do important, immediate, life-saving skills, we couldn’t be happier.”

Arlington city leaders were joined by others who helped make the new emergency department a reality Thursday morning for a ribbon cutting.

The $10 million facility is located on Airline Road just one mile north of I-40 in Arlington.

It’s also equipped to transport the more serious cases to a hospital quicker, with a helicopter. But with 35,000 square feet, it’s more than an ER. Baptist Medical Group will also provide primary and urgent care.

“This community is getting an emergency department, plus you’re getting that walk-in clinic, that primary care center, the imaging center practically all at once,” said Dr. Saju Joy, the Baptist Memorial Health Care’s chief physician executive. “The clinic will offer services from A to Z. A full service primary care which includes primary care for asthma and other chronic diseases, like COPD. We’ll also have flue testing and immunizations.”

A drive-thru will offer flu and COVID-testing, and patients can get screenings, such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT. In addition, OrthoSouth is slated to open offices in early 2023.

“It’s essentially an opportunity to have more access for the residents for the area and brings a level of healthcare that we haven’t had in this part of the county,” said Samuel Pieh, the Baptist Memorial Memphis Hospital’s chief operating officer.

Baptist Arlington Emergency Department will operate 24/7.

It opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

A sneak peek inside at a community day takes place 1-3 p.m. Saturday, which includes tours, health screenings, basic CPR training and an upclose look at a medical helicopter, fire truck and pediatric ambulance.

P.D. Parrot, Baptist’s pediatric mascot, will also be in attendance to greet children.

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