News Summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health has approved the construction of two new hospitals in Bluffton, SC. The Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center will feature a 50-bed capacity, while the Beaufort Memorial Community Hospital will operate as a 28-bed facility. These hospitals are expected to enhance healthcare services and generate approximately 1,000 jobs in the region. Groundbreaking for new facilities is scheduled, marking a significant step toward improving medical access in this rapidly growing area.

Bluffton, SC Approves Plans for Two New Hospitals

The South Carolina Department of Public Health has given the green light for the construction of two new hospitals in Bluffton, expanding healthcare services in the area.

Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center

– **Type**: 50-bed hospital
– **Location**: Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive
– **Size and Cost**: 194,500 square feet; approximately $320 million
– **Expansion Potential**: Capacity to increase to 100 beds
– **Services Offered**: Medical, surgical, emergency and trauma services, intensive care, labor and delivery, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics
– **Job Creation**: Expected to generate around 1,000 jobs in the next five years
– **Opening Date**: Scheduled for 2028

Beaufort Memorial Community Hospital

– **Type**: 28-bed acute care facility
– **Location**: Corner of Innovation Drive and Bluffton and Buckwalter parkways
– **Budget**: Less than $10 million
– **Status**: Town approval for a master plan received previously; now requires state approval

Both hospitals need to secure separate approvals from the town of Bluffton to proceed with their plans. Novant Health recently expanded in the Lowcountry, having acquired three hospitals earlier in 2024.

Upcoming Developments

– Groundbreaking for a new freestanding emergency room and medical office by Novant Health is scheduled for April 2, 2025.
– Novant Health is introducing a workforce housing initiative near Hilton Head Medical Center, with 140 units expected by mid-2026.
– Beaufort Memorial is also in planning for a hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility on Hilton Head Island, with an estimated cost of about $20 million, aiming for a 2026 opening.

These developments are set to enhance healthcare accessibility in the rapidly growing Bluffton area.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Bluffton Health Care Expansion Approved by State
New Hybrid Emergency and Urgent Care Facility in Hilton Head
New Hybrid Emergency and Urgent Care Facility Coming to Hilton Head Island
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Winter Weather Disrupts Daily Life in Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Bluffton’s Healthcare Future: Novant Health’s New Hospital Proposal
Hilton Head Island to Open Hybrid Emergency Room and Urgent Care Facility
Beaufort Memorial to Build Hybrid Healthcare Facility on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Opposes Novant Health Construction Plans
South Carolina’s Lowcountry Braces for Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today
• Wikipedia: Health care in the United States
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Bluffton South Carolina hospital
• WSAV
• Google Scholar: Bluffton hospital South Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hospitals in South Carolina
• Healthcare Design Magazine
• Google News: Novant Health Bluffton