Medical Center Celebrates Proposed Expansion

More than 100 people, including local politicians, attended 's celebration Thursday, supporting the now embattled $26 million expansion that would add 30 beds to the only hospital in Dorchester County. 

Trident Health System, which operates the center, has been in a legal battle with Roper St. Francis Healthcare over an unrelated Berkeley County hospital. S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control had approved the Dorchester County project, placing it under a 120-day review process. Roper St. Francis filed a letter opposing the expansion in June, which will delay the expansion project. 

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In addition to adding 30 beds, the 94-bed facility also would convert 18 semi-private rooms to private rooms.

The project will take approximately 36 months to complete. Plans include a three-story patient tower that will be connected to the existing hospital on each level. 

Summerville Mayor Bill Collins, State Rep. Jenny Horne, St. George Mayor Anne Johnston, Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett, members of Dorchester County Council and Economic Development were all there to show support.

“This expansion is about creating jobs, putting people back to work and giving them access to great health care. I am hopeful that this delay won’t last very long,” Horne said. “I am here to help move this project forward.” 

It is estimated this project will create 250 construction jobs and 50 positions within the medical center, according to a press release.

“I was here when Summerville Medical Center took care of patients during Hurricane Hugo. This is a great hospital and the preferred hospital of Dorchester County,” Hargett said. “Every member of council has signed a letter of support to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control in support of this expansion.”