Tidelands Health Receives State Approval For New Hospital In South Horry County

In a victory for the region’s health and well-being, Tidelands Health has received state approval for the construction of Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital in south Horry County.

Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital will be a 36-bed facility conveniently located at the interchange of Highways 31 and 707 in the rapidly growing Socastee community. The state-of-the-art hospital will offer an emergency department; medical, surgical and critical care; operating suites; diagnostic imaging; laboratory services and more.

“This is a momentous day for people across our region,” said Bruce Bailey, president and CEO. “We are heartened by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s recognition of the need for increased access to high-quality health care in our fast-growing region, and we look forward to making this innovative new hospital a reality for the people of our community.”

Horry County, home to the second-fastest-growing area in the nation, has a significant need for hospital beds. As the region’s largest health care provider, Tidelands Health is well positioned to help meet this community need. The health system has more than 60 care locations across the region and delivers care to thousands of Horry County residents annually. More than 54 percent of the health system’s patient encounters involve Horry County residents.

Now that state approval has been received, Tidelands Health will immediately move forward with the development process pending any legal appeals.

“We look forward to working with our physicians and clinical team to bring to life a hospital that is designed from the ground up to be a place of healing, comfort and hope for people across our region,” Bailey said. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to the nearly 2,000 Horry County residents, elected officials and business leaders who stood with us in support of this needed new hospital. Your letters of support truly made a difference.”

Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital will be the second Tidelands Health hospital in Horry County. Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health, opened in Little River in 2019.

Tidelands Health now eagerly awaits the state’s consideration of a certificate-of-need application for Tidelands Health Extended Care Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital to be located within Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital.

“Like Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital, Tidelands Health Extended Care Hospital will meet a significant community need, and we are confident SC DHEC will approve this needed ‘hospital within a hospital’ for the benefit of our region,” Bailey said.

About Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.