Judge Supports Roper's Goose Creek Hospital

An S.C. Administrative Law Court judge has ruled in support of two hospitals in Berkeley County — paving the way for a Roper St. Francis hospital site in Goose Creek.

Trident Health had challenged Roper's hospital plans, claiming that two hospitals weren't necessary in Berkeley County. Trident has plans of its own for a Moncks Corner hospital.

South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control had approved both facilities, but Trident challenged the Roper plans on grounds that it believed Berkeley County couldn't support two 50-bed facilities.

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"I find that Berkeley's population size is well able to support two 50-bed hospitals," said Judge John. D McLeod, who heard arguments in the case earlier this year. "I find the overwhelming evidence admitted at trial proved that both hospitals are needed and both hospitals in Berkeley County will be financially successful."

Roper President and CEO David Dunlap celebrated the ruling, but said it was Berkeley County residents who won. "Roper St. Francis has fought hard for Berkeley County for more than three years on this issue," he said. "We have not wavered in the position that both hospitals, proposed for two different areas, are needed and would be supported.”

In a statement, Trident said it would appeal the Administrative Law Court's decision. 

"Under this scenario, Trident cannot build a hospital in Moncks Corner. We do not want to be a part of a process which promotes unnecessary spending of healthcare dollars to duplicate services," said Todd Gallati, President and CEO of Trident Health.  

Read the full Trident Health statement on the ruling.

Read the full Ropert St. Francis statment on the ruling.