Murray Regional outlines construction, operational upgrades and new weapons screening after ER shooting

Murray Regional Hospital leaders updated the Maury County Health & Environment Committee on operations and construction milestones and described security changes implemented after an emergency department shooting.

Dr. Chaney, speaking for Murray Regional, said the hospital launched a redesigned website March 19 to improve access to doctors, patient portals and billing. He announced that Murray Regional had been redesignated as a Magnet nursing hospital, a credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. "We were officially notified since this group met last that we are redesignated as a nursing Magnet hospital," he said.

Operational and capital projects are underway as part of an approximately $90 million strategic plan. Dr. Chaney listed key items: a Pavilion Orthopedics Institute slated to open in early 2026; a completed labor-and-delivery mother–baby project expected to be used in late April or early May after final inspections; an in-ER Behavioral Health unit beginning construction that will minimally affect emergency department flow; and an employee parking shuttle using the old mall that began April 7 to relieve construction-related lot closures. The hospital reported roughly $17 million spent through March 26 on the listed projects.

On security, Dr. Chaney said the hospital completed a security assessment, added weapons detection in the emergency department, expanded armed security to 24 officers including four canine teams, limited visitor-entry points and launched an employee emergency-texting platform. Since weapons screening began, staff discovered approximately 40 firearms brought into the emergency department; Dr. Chaney said most were by people legally carrying with permits. "We were able to stop those and everybody has been very nice to secure it outside," he said. Staff retain weapons for patients who require care rather than requiring a return to a vehicle; law enforcement is notified when staff suspect intent to harm.

Hospital leadership also announced staffing and leadership shifts: Rita Thompson was named executive director of the hospital foundation after the December departure of the prior executive director, and the marketing director role is open. The hospital also reported successful match results for nine medical students who trained at Murray Regional, with several indicating intent to return to practice locally.

Hospital executives asked commissioners to note ongoing construction timelines, parking changes and security procedures that will remain in place while projects continue. Committee members asked about weapons confiscation procedures and about possible impacts on patient flow; hospital leaders said they aim to minimize disruption and involve law enforcement only when there is suspicion of malicious intent.