Grand Strand Health commits over $350 million to expand care and meet regional growth

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — In a bold step toward shaping the future of healthcare for our region, Grand Strand Health is investing more than $350 million in a comprehensive expansion plan designed to meet the needs of our growing population and improve more lives in more ways.

“This is more than an investment in buildings and equipment — this is an investment in people, in access and in the health and wellness of our community,” said Mark Sims, CEO of Grand Strand Health. “Our region is growing rapidly, and we are committed to growing alongside it to ensure every person has the care they need, when and where they need it.”

Key investments include:

• $30 million for a new parking garage
• $15 million for a Free-Standing Emergency Department (FSED) in Conway
• $15 million for a Free-Standing Emergency Department (FSED) in Murrells Inlet
• $15 million for a Free-Standing Emergency Department (FSED) in Little River
• $226 million for South Strand Hospital
• $55.2 million to enhance the emergency department, operating rooms and laboratory at Grand Strand Medical Center’s main campus

Parking garage

The parking garage is the first project to begin with a construction start date of Monday, May 19th. Designed to improve accessibility and convenience for patients, visitors and staff, the parking garage will feature 742 parking spaces. While construction is in progress, visitors and patients are asked to use the complimentary valet service at the main entrance.

Freestanding ERs

To bring care closer to where people live and work, three ERs will be built throughout Horry County. The freestanding ER in Conway will be located by Church St. and Millpond Rd., the Murrells Inlet location will be at the intersection of Hwy. 17 Business and Wesley Rd. and the location in Little River will be off of Hwy. 17 between Mineola Ave. and Ellis Dr. All facilities will be over 10,000 square feet with at least 10 exam rooms, including a triage room, as well as advanced imaging capabilities, such as X-Ray and CT, in addition to a laboratory.

South Strand Hospital

Located off of Hwy. 17 Bypass and Sheffield Pkwy., South Strand Hospital will be a full-service 59 in-patient bed hospital with four operating rooms and full imaging and surgical capabilities.

ED/OR/Lab enhancements

Multiple enhancements are in store for Grand Strand Medical Center’s main campus including the addition of three operating rooms, larger storage space for supplies and upgraded processing capabilities in the laboratory, in addition to updates to the ER entrance and care spaces, which will improve efficiency and enhance patient care.

As these projects evolve, Grand Strand Health will continue to provide updates.