Bluffton’s Hospital Project Stalled: A Glimpse Into the Future of Healthcare in the Lowcountry

Bluffton’s Hospital Project Stalled: A Glimpse Into the Future of Healthcare in the Lowcountry

Bluffton, a charming city nestled in the Southern Lowcountry, is buzzing with anticipation over the long-discussed new hospital project that promises to change the healthcare landscape for many in the area. However, after more than five years of waiting, it seems we are still stuck at the starting line.

A Joint Venture for Growth

Back in 2018, the Medical University of South Carolina and Beaufort Memorial Hospital announced plans to build a 20-bed hospital in Bluffton, projecting a cost of nearly $45 million. This facility was designed not only to cater to the growing local population but also to ensure that the health needs of our community were met without the lengthy commutes to hospitals across the Broad River, Calibogue Sound, or even the Savannah River.

Why the Holdup?

Despite receiving the necessary approvals from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) back in July 2018, progress has been halted primarily due to legal challenges. Several hospitals, including those in Hilton Head and Hardeeville, raised concerns about the financial viability of the project and the actual need for a new hospital.

These objections culminated in a legal battle that has seen the project tangled in court disputes, primarily based on whether the community genuinely needs this new facility. In October 2018, opponents took their fight to administrative law court, and since then, droughts in progress have frustrated many.

Shifts in Legislation

Fast forward to May 2023, and things took a turn as Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation that will eventually eliminate the hospital certification requirement by 2027. This shift has sparked resolutions in other health care disputes in the Myrtle Beach area, setting the stage for new beds and hospitals, but Bluffton’s future remains uncertain.

In September 2023, Candler Hospital in Savannah—once a vocal opponent of the Bluffton project—asked the court to dismiss its case against the hospital, indicating a willingness to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape. However, Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospitals are still pursuing the legal battle.

Fresh Faces in Healthcare

With the acquisition of the Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina hospitals by Novant Health earlier this year, new possibilities have emerged. Jason Bernd, president of Novant Health South Carolina, expressed openness to collaborating with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to enhance services in Bluffton. “As Bluffton continues to grow, we want to grow with it,” says Beaufort Memorial’s CEO Russell Baxley, underscoring a shared commitment to meeting the community’s health needs.

Population Growth & Increased Demand

To compound matters, Beaufort County has seen its population rise by nearly 9,416 residents in just a few years, amplifying the demand for healthcare services. The future hospital will not just offer 20 inpatient acute care beds but will also boast an emergency department equipped with 12 exam rooms, four operating rooms in a surgical department, an imaging department, as well as pharmacy and lab services—all aimed at creating a more comprehensive care network for Bluffton’s growing population.

Next Steps for Bluffton

Even though inflation may push the project costs higher, all options for financing remain in the discussion, including private funding. The hope is that once the ongoing court disputes are resolved, construction can finally begin, bringing much-needed healthcare services to Bluffton closer to reality.

For now, the locals continue to be patiently optimistic while keeping an eye on news from the courtrooms and legislative changes. As the clock keeps ticking, there’s a palpable sense of readiness in Bluffton, a tight-knit community ready for the next chapter in its healthcare journey.

For those wanting updates on the unfolding story, you can expect to hear more as decisions come down from the courts, and fingers remain crossed that this long-anticipated facility will soon be a mainstay in Bluffton.