NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans OLB David Bass kicked-off 'Titans Tuesdays' this week visiting patients at the Saint Thomas Joint Replacement Institute at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital.

"It's a blessing to come in here and see people going through hip replacements, knee surgeries and back surgeries where they could be better off and they are here and still support us," said Bass.  "It gives me an opportunity to reach out to them and let them know that I appreciate their support and it's also uplifting for them to see people they watch and support on a day-to-day basis that they don't normally get to see come in here and surprise them with gifts."

A little over a year ago, the Titans helped Saint Thomas unveil and bless the newly completed, state-of the-art facility.  The $25 million project renovated 94,000 square feet of space at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. The result was eight dedicated operating rooms that are larger and more appropriate for advanced total joint replacement procedures, leading to the best outcomes for patients. The final result brings Middle Tennessee patients a personalized experience and nationally recognized care, conveniently located at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital.

"We have a great relationship with the Titans that provide us the opportunity for some visits," said Caroline Young, clinical manager of the Saint Thomas Health Joint Replacement at Saint Thomas Health Midtown Hospital. "I get to see how important this is to my patients and how joyful it makes them - it brings a little excitement to their day."

Total joint replacement surgeries in Middle Tennessee have increased by 23 percent during the last five years, and projections indicate that they will continue to increase another 18 percent over the next five years.  The joint replacement program is the largest in the region and is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Through this Institute, Saint Thomas will maintain leadership in hip replacement, knee replacement and shoulder replacement. Joint replacement is a special surgery and Saint Thomas is able to provide that in one environment and one institute.

In addition to orthopedic surgery, Saint Thomas West Hospital provides orthopedic education, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy and medication therapy. The orthopedic provider of choice for the Tennessee Titans football team, Saint Thomas West Hospital was recognized by CareChex as a top quality hospital for orthopedic surgery for 2014. It is also a Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip replacements. Truven Health Analytics recognized Saint Thomas West Hospital as one of the top 100 hospitals in the country, and it is recognized by Healthgrades as one of America's best hospitals for 2014.

To schedule an appointment, call 615-284-BONE (2663) or visit www.sthealth.com

ABOUT SAINT THOMAS HEALTH

Saint Thomas Health is Middle Tennessee's faith-based, not-for-profit health care system united as one healing community. Saint Thomas Health is focused on transforming the health care experience and helping people live healthier lives, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable. The regional health system includes nine hospitals: Saint Thomas Hospital for Specialty Surgery, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital and Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, Saint Thomas Hickman Hospital in Centerville, Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital in Smithville, Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta, Saint Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville and Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital in Woodbury. A comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities complement the hospital services and cover a 68-county area. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.STHealth.com.

ABOUT ASCENSION

Ascension (www.ascension.org) is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world's largest Catholic health system, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2015, Ascension provided nearly $2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Approximately 160,000 associates and 36,000 aligned providers serve in 2,500 sites of care – including 141 hospitals and more than 30 senior living facilities – in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to healthcare delivery, Ascension subsidiaries provide a variety of services and solutions including physician practice management, venture capital investing, investment management, biomedical engineering, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension's own group purchasing organization.