Trident Health Expands Emergency Services in the Lowcountry
Trident Medical Center broke ground on September 25 on a long-planned free-standing Emergency Room on Johns Island, which will be one of three such facilities that Trident Health System is planning around the Lowcountry, according to CEO and President Jeff Wilson.
The new Emergency Room, scheduled to open in September 2026, will be located on a 56-acre site off Maybank Highway, which could eventually house a full-service hospital, as originally planned.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Healthcare Services
The new facility aims to provide quicker emergency access to the fast-growing population of nearly 28,000 residents on Johns Island. Wilson emphasized the importance of providing acute care services to the community, while also acknowledging the potential for the facility to evolve into a full-service hospital.
Trident’s parent company, Nashville-based HCA Healthcare, has extensive experience in providing such services at various sites across the country, Wilson noted.
Future Plans for the Site
In addition to the Emergency Room, the site could also host a medical office building, an ambulatory surgery center, and other facilities. The types of services patients need will help Trident decide on the services the full-service hospital should offer.
For instance, the new ER will provide emergency medical services to the local community, reducing the need for residents to travel off the island for medical care.
Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns
Charleston City Councilman Jim McBride, who resides on Johns Island, expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure on the island, which he described as “overwhelmed.” However, he believes the new ER will have a positive impact, reducing traffic on the island by providing a service that currently requires residents to drive off the island.
The development could also create employment opportunities for healthcare providers on the island, who currently have to commute to other locations for work.
A Growing Trend in Healthcare
The establishment of free-standing Emergency Rooms, such as the one on Johns Island, is part of a larger trend in healthcare to bring services closer to communities, where people live, work, and play. This approach is particularly relevant in areas with heavy traffic, such as the Lowcountry, where convenience is a significant factor.
Other healthcare providers, like MUSC Health, are also investing in similar facilities, such as the one on Kiawah Island.
Conclusion
The new Emergency Room on Johns Island marks a significant investment in the local healthcare infrastructure, aiming to provide faster and more convenient access to medical services for the island’s residents. As the facility evolves, it may eventually become a full-service hospital, catering to the growing needs of the community.
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