Not-for-profit health system Novant Health is set to expand its presence in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region by constructing a new full-service community hospital campus in Bluffton. The planned hospital is part of a major initiative to enhance healthcare access in the area and is designed to meet the region’s current and long-term healthcare needs.
The upcoming Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center will initially feature 50 beds, with the potential to expand to 100 beds to accommodate community growth. The facilities will offer a range of services including medical, surgical, emergency, trauma, intensive care, as well as specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. Regulatory documents for this project will be submitted shortly.
In addition to the hospital, Novant Health intends to establish several outpatient campuses in Bluffton. This will include a stand-alone emergency department, surgery centers, and various medical services ranging from imaging to urgent and primary care. The expansion is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs.
Jason Bernd, president of Novant Health’s South Carolina region, stated, “Novant Health is committed to taking bold steps to create a healthier future for the communities we serve.” He noted that the new healthcare hub will mitigate the need for residents to travel elsewhere for medical care.
Currently, many residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties must travel more than 30 minutes to access healthcare. The new development is aimed at improving local access to health services, addressing the needs of a growing population, including retirees and families moving to the region.
Novant Health plans to recruit over 20 new primary care providers and several specialists to support the new facilities. According to Bernd, “We look forward to engaging and partnering with our physicians, team members and community leaders as we develop new access points and services.”
The organization also plans to address the issue of affordable housing in the region. Joel Taylor, CEO of Hilton Head Medical Center, commented, “We are working closely together with local leaders to identify solutions for this important issue that also impacts our health care workforce.”
This expansion follows Novant Health’s recent acquisition of several hospitals in the area, emphasizing their long-term commitment to the region. Investments in these acquired facilities include upgrades to operating rooms and expansions of emergency departments.
