The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) leadership joined local community leaders to break ground on the MUSC Health Sea Islands Medical Pavillion, located on Johns Island, S.C., according to a Sept. 9 news release.
The new medical pavilion is more than 20,000 square feet and will address local community needs for emergency and specialty care, which is more than 20 miles from the nearest hospital.
David Cole, MD, said the new medical pavilion will provide rapid access to care for the entire community.
"It can take up to 45 minutes to get to the nearest hospital from the Sea Islands. That’s too long for an emergency situation such as a stroke, where every minute counts. As the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, we are committed to delivering the best possible care, closest to home," Dr. Cole said.
In addition to offering 24/7 emergency care, the facility will include two trauma rooms, a rooftop helicopter pad, and a medical office building to house primary and specialty care. Services include imaging, a diagnostics lab, cardiology, and physical therapy.
The project was made possible partly by Kiawah Partners, who donated 6 acres of land to the project, valued at $4.85 million. MUSC is committed to raising $17 million of the estimated $30 million needed to fund the project. It has received more than $9.5 million in confirmed donations.
Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2023.