New TriStar Stonecrest CEO outlines expansions, offers direct contact to Smyrna residents

The mayor introduced Ryan Lemasters as the new chief executive officer of TriStar Stonecrest Medical Center and invited him to introduce himself and update the council on hospital activities.

Lemasters described his two decades in health care with HCA and said Stonecrest has cut the ribbon on two new operating rooms and is planning additional access points and more beds to address frequent high capacity. He said the hospital is pursuing a freestanding emergency room south of State Route 840 (in Murfreesboro at a former Rite Aid location) to improve access for residents south of 840 and expects the facility to attract patients to Stonecrest. Lemasters said the hospital campus sits on 46 acres, comparable in size to a downtown flagship hospital, leaving room for further expansion.

Speaking personally about recent experience, Lemasters said his wife had been treated in their emergency room following a bicycle accident and described the hospital’s patient-survey process to illustrate focus on patient experience: "When you receive that survey whether by text, email, or phone call, we actually only get credit if you rate our care as a 9 or a 10." He repeatedly offered himself as a resource to residents: "My door is always open. My phone's always on to be able to help those in need."

Council members thanked Lemasters and noted the hospital's ongoing community partnership. Lemasters said he plans to return with expansion plans for council review and that he and Stonecrest staff will continue community engagement, including participation in events and hospital fundraising activities such as the Top Gun Run and golf tournament.

What happens next: Lemasters said he will share expansion details with council at a future meeting; no formal action was required.