Parkwest Medical Center

Parkwest Medical Center ("Parkwest") admitted its first patient on December 10, 1973. It became a not-for-profit hospital in 1990 and joined the Covenant Health system in 1996. Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center ("Peninsula") is the behavioral services division of Parkwest Medical Center and the region's largest provider of behavioral health services. Peninsula has a 119-bed hospital in Blount County providing mental health services for adolescents and adults. Peninsula also provides outpatient services in four counties. SERVICEWest Knoxville's largest medical center, Parkwest has an organizational culture focused on treating every patient and visitor with courtesy, compassion and respect. It is best known for excellence in orthopedics, cardiology, surgical and behavioral health. Parkwest Medical Center and Peninsula Behavioral Hospital, a division of Parkwest, served 255,633 patients in 2022. Of these, 237,377 were outpatients and 18,256 were inpatients with an average length-of-stay of 5.12 days. PUTTING PATIENTS FIRSTIn 2022, Parkwest was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #4 Best hospital in Tennessee, and the #1 hospital in Knoxville metro area, and rated as a high-performing hospital by US News & World Report for: hip and knee replacements, hip fractures, COPD, colon cancer surgery, heart attack and heart failure measures, Heart Bypass surgery, AAA repair, and stroke care.BlueCross BlueShield gave the hospital a Blue Distinction Center+ designation for knee replacement and hip surgery, spine surgery, maternity care, and a Blue Distinction Center designation for bariatric surgery. Parkwest was named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by IBM Watson Health.The Joint Commission has designated the hospital as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, and Parkwest is a member of Covenant Health's stroke hospital network, which links Covenant Health's member hospitals in providing rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. Parkwest was recognized with GoldPlus Stroke Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Parkwest has earned the GoldPlus Quality Award from the American Heart Association, recognizing consistent compliance with evidence-based quality measures for care of patients experiencing heart attacks, and a Gold award for non-STEMI quality measures.IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY'S QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH BETTER HEALTHIn 2022, Parkwest provided over $170,000 worth of transportation through Priority Ambulance for patients to receive treatments and over $24,000 worth of taxi/transportation fees to patients who had been discharged and needed transportation home.In 2022, Parkwest participated in the Greater Knoxville Heart Walk, raising funds and awareness for heart disease. Parkwest also participates in local health fair screenings for area businesses and groups, providing carotid ultrasound screenings and physical therapy ergonomic education, as well as stroke education. In 2022, the employees at Parkwest also raised money for our internal employee chaplain's fund which helps employees who are experiencing unusual or extraordinary financial needs.As a member of Covenant Health, Parkwest and Peninsula have adopted the "We Honor Veterans" program, recognizing and celebrating patients and employees who are veterans, in our facility. When a patient is identified as a veteran they are recognized with a certificate and pinning ceremony. Supporting Mental HealthPeninsula is the behavioral services division of Parkwest Medical Center and provides a variety of inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults. Peninsula's 119-bed inpatient hospital is located in Blount County, with outpatient centers in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Sevier Counties. Peninsula also offers care specifically designed for seniors with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions at the Senior Behavioral Center located at Parkwest Medical Center. Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies, and lead healthy, positive and productive lives.In addition to inpatient and outpatient services that require payment, Peninsula offers several no-cost programs for community members.ComPASS (Communicating the Pain as Suicide Survivors)ComPASS is an ongoing community support group for those who have lost a family member, friend or coworker to suicide. The group provides a safe environment for survivors to share feelings and experiences, affirms suicide bereavement, educates survivors in healthy coping and healing strategies and provides opportunities to learn from other survivors. Peninsula also hosted Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in 2022 to provide resources and support for those affected by suicide. Independent Living ProgramThe Independent Living Program provides emergency financial assistance to persons diagnosed with a mental illness. An application providing financial information is required and must be assessed and approved by the program coordinator.Peer Support AcademiesPeninsula's Peer Support Academies are peer support centers offering support for hundreds of individuals in Blount, Knox and Sevier counties. Men and women age 18 and older who have a mental illness are eligible to apply to participate in the program, which is offered free of charge. Peer Support Academies provide socialization opportunities, education and support groups to enhance wellness for adults who struggle with addiction, dependency and other mental and behavioral issues. The academies are staffed by peer support specialists who are certified by the State of Tennessee.Recovery LinkRecovery Link is designed to bridge the gap between addiction and recovery by connecting people who suffer from addiction to treatment programs. The program serves East Tennessee residents, and will assist anyone, free of charge, in finding the treatment program that is right for them.Support GroupsPeninsula offers several types of support groups which are open to the community. Most support groups meet at the Peninsula Lighthouse campus at 1451 Dowell Springs Blvd. in Knoxville.Women in TreatmentWomen in Treatment is appropriate for uninsured women age 18-64 who suffer from addiction. The intensive outpatient program focuses on women's issues in recovery and co-occurring disorders, with priority placement is given to pregnant injecting drug abusers, pregnant substance abusers and injecting drug users. One in four people in East Tennessee suffer from a mental health illness. However, there is a significant gap in funding for programs to serve these individuals compared to other diseases and diagnoses. Artsclamation! is Peninsula's only fundraiser and helps to fill some of the gaps left in those funding sources. Proceeds in past years have funded garden courtyards for adult patients, vans for transporting clients in outpatient programs, play areas for hospitalized children, therapeutic games and activity supplies.