This fall, McLeod Health will break ground on a new hospital at the McLeod Health Carolina Forest Campus.

“We have received a Certificate of Need from the State, as required, demonstrating the need for a hospital in this location,” said Monica Vehige, CEO, McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital.

“Pending permitting, the construction of this investment in the community’s health will take approximately 24 months,” said Vehige. “Over the past year, more than 110,000 patient visits have occurred at our Carolina Forest Campus. These are patients who have chosen McLeod Health for their healthcare, and we owe it to them to have a convenient choice for inpatient care.”

The hospital will be a 4-story building with 48 beds and 4 operating suites. There are currently three outpatient buildings on the campus serving patients with primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. The hospital will be part of an expansion of Building 1 and Building 2 on the 42-acre Carolina Forest campus.

“McLeod Health has demonstrated we are committed to our mission to improve the overall health and well-being of people living in the communities we serve,” said Scott Montgomery, CEO McLeod Health Carolina Forest. “We were the first to build a major medical campus in Carolina Forest, the first to bring a free-standing emergency department to Carolina Forest, and we will be the first to build a hospital in this community in response to our residents.”

According to the U.S. Census, Horry County is one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina and Carolina Forest is one of the fastest growing areas of the county. Federal and state statistics demonstrate the need for additional beds in this area.

The planned $56 million hospital will be 82,613 square feet will be available for patients from the Carolina Forest Emergency Department who need continuing care. Additionally, patients from the Carolina Forest community will have access to advanced imaging and diagnostic services, pharmacy, and laboratory services.