Carolina Forest, Horry County, South Carolina – May 2, 2024 — McLeod Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Hicks, RN, BSN, MHA, as the new Chief Nursing Officer of McLeod Health Carolina Forest.

In this pivotal role, Hicks will spearhead the advancement of nursing excellence and elevate patient care programs and services at McLeod Health Carolina Forest. She will also have management oversight of the surgery center and the hospital’s inpatient nursing program, ensuring the highest standards of care delivery.

In the Fall of 2023, McLeod Health broke ground on a new outpatient surgical center on the Carolina Forest campus that is anticipated to open in early 2025. This surgery center will offer same-day surgical procedures efficiently and safely in this new facility so patients can remain close to home.

Additionally, McLeod Health recently unveiled plans for the McLeod Health Carolina Forest hospital scheduled to open in Spring of 2026. This 48-bed inpatient facility will provide convenient and comprehensive care for residents. With more than 110,000 patient visits at the Carolina Forest Campus over the past year, McLeod Health recognizes the importance of having a dedicated inpatient facility close to home.

During Hick’s five-year tenure with McLeod Health, she has held key positions, including Director of Nursing and Vice President of Patient Services. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional leadership by managing medical patients in the COVID unit. In 2022, Hicks successfully launched and managed the Medical Surgical Cardiac Unit at McLeod Health Seacoast.

Scott Montgomery, CEO for McLeod Health Carolina Forest, expressed confidence in Hick’s abilities: “Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. Her admirable performance in various roles at McLeod Health makes her an invaluable asset. We eagerly anticipate her contributions as we expand hospital services on the Carolina Forest campus.”

Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clemson University and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from St. Joseph’s University. She and her husband reside in Shallotte, NC.

About McLeod Health:

Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not for profit organization supported by the strength of more than 900 members on its medical staff and more than 2,900 licensed nurses (Registered Nurses; Advanced Practice Nurses – including Certified Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives; as well as Licensed Practical Nurses). McLeod Health is also composed of approximately 15,000 team members and more than 90 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. With seven hospitals, McLeod Health operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon and McLeod Behavioral Health.

The total licensed beds for the McLeod Health system includes 988 beds with 941 of those being licensed as acute by SC DHEC. In addition to McLeod Regional Medical Center with 517 licensed beds and 48 additional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Beds, these McLeod Health respected acute-care facilities give McLeod greater flexibility in providing care to those outside of Florence County: McLeod Health Dillon with 79 licensed beds, McLeod Health Loris with 50 licensed beds, McLeod Health Seacoast with 155 licensed beds, McLeod Health Cheraw with 59 licensed beds, McLeod Health Clarendon with 81 licensed beds, and McLeod Behavioral Health provides 23 inpatient psychiatric beds. McLeod Hospice serves the community with inpatient Hospice Beds for respite and end of life care. The only inpatient Hospice facility in the Pee Dee region, the McLeod Hospice House includes 24-licensed beds.

Recognized nationally for its quality and safety initiatives, McLeod Health has a leading regional presence in Northeastern South Carolina and Southeastern North Carolina and a dedication to the health of the more than one million residents of those communities it serves from the midlands to the coast. McLeod Health is constantly seeking to improve its patient care with efforts that are physician led, data-driven and evidence-based.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelly Hughes, Director of Communications, McLeod Health
Phone: (843) 390-8325 Email: khughes@mcleodhealth.org