In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility in South Carolina’s Johns Island, Trident Medical Center has submitted a Certificate of Need to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The proposal? A groundbreaking $277 million hospital project that aims to bridge the healthcare gap in this community.
The envisioned hospital, set to be nestled between Maybank Highway and Cane Slash Road, directly across from the Live Oak Square development, plans to offer state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services. Here’s what you need to know:
The Numbers Speak Volumes
Projections for the Johns Island Hospital paint an impressive picture. Within its first three years of operation, it is anticipated to generate nearly 300 jobs, inject $10 million in non-income taxes into the community to support various initiatives, and contribute a whopping $70 million in salaries, wages, and benefits.
Trident Health President and CEO, Christina Oh, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are excited to continue making medical care more accessible to residents in our historically underserved communities.” Currently, residents of Johns Island and neighboring areas face lengthy commutes of 30 to 45 minutes, and sometimes even longer in heavy traffic or bad weather conditions, just to reach the nearest hospital. The hospital’s mission is crystal clear: to increase access to timely, high-quality, and affordable healthcare services.
Life-Saving Access to Care
Dr. Scott Hayes, Chief of the Medical Staff and Medical Director of Emergency Services at Trident Medical Center, emphasized the critical importance of proximity to medical care. He noted, “For residents who live far from emergency medical care and who may be experiencing a medical emergency like a heart attack or a stroke, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Access to care close to home is critical, especially in areas like Johns Island and the surrounding communities, that have frequent traffic delays.”
A Long-Awaited Full-Service Hospital
Trident Health surgeon Dr. Thomas Litton, who resided on Johns Island for two decades, shed light on the pressing need for a full-service hospital in the region. “The rapid population growth and development of Johns Island, as well as its role as the sole gateway to Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw Islands, has created a strong need for a full-service hospital in the area. Residents on those islands have never had a full-service hospital. Trident’s hospital on Johns Island and their freestanding ER on James Island will greatly improve residents’ access to much-needed medical care,” he explained.
What to Expect
The Johns Island Hospital is designed to be a comprehensive healthcare facility. Initially, it will feature 50 beds with room for expansion to 150 beds. Among its offerings will be 40 medical/surgical/stepdown beds, 10 ICU beds, 20 ER rooms, four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites, and a cardiac catheterization lab. Additionally, the hospital will be equipped with two CT scanners, an MRI, two diagnostic radiology suites, and a fluoroscopy room.
Beyond inpatient services, the facility will house medical offices for primary care and specialists, along with outpatient imaging and support services such as breast imaging, rehabilitation, and other outpatient therapy services.
Trident Health is committed to a thoughtful development plan that respects the natural beauty of Johns Island while honoring the vibrant Gullah Geechee cultures of the community. They intend to collaborate closely with local businesses and the community at large while showcasing the unique contributions of Johns Island’s agricultural community.
This proposed Johns Island Hospital project comes in addition to nearly $140 million in capital investments currently underway at Trident Health’s other hospitals, Trident Medical Center and Summerville. The future of healthcare on Johns Island looks brighter than ever, with Trident Medical Center leading the way in providing top-notch medical care and support to the community. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds!
