Trident Town Halls To Focus On Hospital Dispute

The legal battle over two hospitals planned for Berkeley County is seeing more action outside of the courtroom.

After winning the favor of mayors in the north end of the county last month, Trident Health System is returning to those communities with town hall events beginning tonight in Cross, hoping to win over residents for their vision of only one hospital in Berkeley County.

Two years ago, the state approved two hospitals in Berkeley: Trident's planned 50-bed facility in Moncks Corner, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare's 50-beds proposed at Carnes Crossing to service the Goose Creek community.

Roper welcomed the decision, but Trident has balked at two facilities — claiming the county's population can't support both. The two companies tried to settle the argument in mediation, but that fell through earlier this year. The Jan. 30.

According to a Trident release, the town halls will be an effort to "give Berkeley County residents a factual update on the hospital situation and allow them to have their questions and concerns answered."

At this point, the are in communities that would be serviced by the Moncks Corner facility, including tonight's town hall in Cross, as well as events next month in St. Stephen, Bonneau and Moncks Corner.

Trident spokesman Bob Behanian told Patch that the hospital system is considering other town hall events, but has not yet firmed up locations or schedules.

The release announcing the Moncks Corner town halls states "Trident currently serves the residents of Goose Creek," referencing the Trident Medical Center on University Boulevard in North Charleston. "A new hospital in that same area is not needed."

Roper Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Douglas Bowling said the company has purchased land for its hospital — a solid commitment to building its facility in Berkeley County.

"To date, Trident has not provided factual information to the general public, but instead continues to camouflage inconsistencies in the promises made and data presented," Bowling said.

Earlier this month, the Goose Creek City Council in both Goose Creek and Moncks Corner.

The council urged "the early resolution of any and all disputes, and urges all parties to move expediently toward the realization of the needed hospital facilities to provide for the long-term health care and economic vitality of all Berkeley County citizens."