Conway Medical Center Expands with New Emergency Department in Socastee

News Summary

Conway Medical Center is set to launch the first fully integrated emergency department in Socastee by October 2026. With a focus on expanding healthcare services to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population in Horry County, the new facility will feature an 8-bed emergency department, enhance patient care, and generate local job opportunities. This expansion aligns with recent regulatory changes aimed at facilitating new healthcare construction, solidifying CMC’s role as a leader in regional healthcare.

Exciting Expansion as Conway Medical Center Announces First Fully Integrated Emergency Department in Socastee

The rapidly growing southern region of Horry County is set to receive a significant boost in healthcare services, as Conway Medical Center (CMC) unveils plans for an innovative emergency department at its Health Plaza South complex in Socastee. With an ambitious target of opening by October 2026, this facility is being hailed as the first of its kind in the region—a fully integrated medical plaza that aims to transform the local healthcare landscape.

Meeting the Needs of a Booming Population

As South Carolina’s population is projected to surpass 6.4 million by 2042, with Horry County expected to welcome over 200,000 new residents, there’s a pressing need for expanded medical facilities. CMC’s latest endeavor will cover an impressive 12,150 square feet and feature an emergency department designed to address the healthcare demands of this rapidly expanding local population.

The new emergency department will enhance patient care by integrating various services such as ambulatory surgery, imaging services, and outpatient clinics. This synergy is expected to streamline patient experiences and improve overall healthcare accessibility. With a capacity of eight beds, the facility is projected to accommodate over 10,000 patient visits per year, helping to reduce wait times and boost the quality of care delivered to the public.

Creating Local Job Opportunities

In addition to improving healthcare access, the new emergency department is projected to create between 50 to 75 healthcare jobs within the community. CMC is already actively pursuing recruitment efforts to ensure that the new facility is staffed with skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care.

Changes in Healthcare Regulation Fueling Development

The expansion aligns with recent legislative changes in South Carolina that have relaxed regulations on hospital construction. In 2023, lawmakers overhauled the Certificate of Need law, effectively streamlining the process for building medical facilities. This has opened the door for CMC to pave the way for more healthcare projects, an important step as the need for expanded medical services continues to grow.

Upcoming Facilities and Projects

Beyond the Socastee emergency department, CMC has announced plans for an additional $18 million emergency department located in the Highway 90 corridor, which is also anticipated to open in 2026. This ongoing expansion plan highlights CMC’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of Horry County.

Additionally, CMC recently launched a dermatology and primary care office in Grande Dunes, alongside another primary care center in Conway. These initiatives are part and parcel of CMC’s broader strategy to enhance the availability of healthcare services throughout the Grand Strand area, ensuring that both existing residents and new arrivals have access to comprehensive medical care.

A Vision for the Future of Healthcare

CMC emphasizes that this expansion is not merely about adding physical buildings, but about a commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare for the community. As the population continues to grow, healthcare facilities must evolve to meet the changing demands. The Health Plaza South complex, located along S.C. Highway 707 near the Highway 544 overpass, is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare in a region anticipating significant demographic changes.

As the countdown to the opening of this innovative emergency department begins, the community can look forward to improved healthcare services and an increase in job opportunities, firmly positioning Conway Medical Center as a leader in regional medical care.

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Additional Resources

• WBTW News
• Wikipedia: Emergency department
• My Horry News
• Google Search: Conway Medical Center
• Post and Courier
• Google Scholar: Emergency department expansion
• WFXB News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency services