News Summary
Conway Medical Center is set to launch the first fully integrated emergency department in Socastee by October 2026. With a focus on expanding healthcare services to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population in Horry County, the new facility will feature an 8-bed emergency department, enhance patient care, and generate local job opportunities. This expansion aligns with recent regulatory changes aimed at facilitating new healthcare construction, solidifying CMC’s role as a leader in regional healthcare.
Exciting Expansion as Conway Medical Center Announces First Fully Integrated Emergency Department in Socastee
The rapidly growing southern region of Horry County is set to receive a significant boost in healthcare services, as Conway Medical Center (CMC) unveils plans for an innovative emergency department at its Health Plaza South complex in Socastee. With an ambitious target of opening by October 2026, this facility is being hailed as the first of its kind in the region—a fully integrated medical plaza that aims to transform the local healthcare landscape.
Meeting the Needs of a Booming Population
As South Carolina’s population is projected to surpass 6.4 million by 2042, with Horry County expected to welcome over 200,000 new residents, there’s a pressing need for expanded medical facilities. CMC’s latest endeavor will cover an impressive 12,150 square feet and feature an emergency department designed to address the healthcare demands of this rapidly expanding local population.
The new emergency department will enhance patient care by integrating various services such as ambulatory surgery, imaging services, and outpatient clinics. This synergy is expected to streamline patient experiences and improve overall healthcare accessibility. With a capacity of eight beds, the facility is projected to accommodate over 10,000 patient visits per year, helping to reduce wait times and boost the quality of care delivered to the public.
Creating Local Job Opportunities
In addition to improving healthcare access, the new emergency department is projected to create between 50 to 75 healthcare jobs within the community. CMC is already actively pursuing recruitment efforts to ensure that the new facility is staffed with skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care.
Changes in Healthcare Regulation Fueling Development
The expansion aligns with recent legislative changes in South Carolina that have relaxed regulations on hospital construction. In 2023, lawmakers overhauled the Certificate of Need law, effectively streamlining the process for building medical facilities. This has opened the door for CMC to pave the way for more healthcare projects, an important step as the need for expanded medical services continues to grow.
Upcoming Facilities and Projects
Beyond the Socastee emergency department, CMC has announced plans for an additional $18 million emergency department located in the Highway 90 corridor, which is also anticipated to open in 2026. This ongoing expansion plan highlights CMC’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of Horry County.
Additionally, CMC recently launched a dermatology and primary care office in Grande Dunes, alongside another primary care center in Conway. These initiatives are part and parcel of CMC’s broader strategy to enhance the availability of healthcare services throughout the Grand Strand area, ensuring that both existing residents and new arrivals have access to comprehensive medical care.
A Vision for the Future of Healthcare
CMC emphasizes that this expansion is not merely about adding physical buildings, but about a commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare for the community. As the population continues to grow, healthcare facilities must evolve to meet the changing demands. The Health Plaza South complex, located along S.C. Highway 707 near the Highway 544 overpass, is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare in a region anticipating significant demographic changes.
As the countdown to the opening of this innovative emergency department begins, the community can look forward to improved healthcare services and an increase in job opportunities, firmly positioning Conway Medical Center as a leader in regional medical care.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Wikipedia: Emergency department
- My Horry News
- Google Search: Conway Medical Center
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Emergency department expansion
- WFXB News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency services
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
