New Healthcare Facility Set to Transform Emergency Care in Charleston Area

New Healthcare Facility Set to Transform Emergency Care in Charleston Area

Charleston, SC – In an exciting development that’s almost a decade in the making, Kiawah Partners and the Medical University Hospital Authority, known as MUSC Health, have officially finalized a significant land donation intended for a new health care facility: the MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion. This donation involves a three-acre parcel of land valued at a whopping $6 million, which will provide essential emergency and specialty care for the residents of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns islands.

A Dedicated Response to Local Healthcare Needs

The launch of this project is a direct response to the growing healthcare needs within these vibrant, yet geographically isolated, barrier island communities. With the nearest hospital sitting over 20 miles away and a seasonal influx of tourists, access to medical services has been a growing concern.

Set to be located at 1857 Seabrook Island Road, right next to the upcoming Seafields at Kiawah Island 62+ Life Plan Community in Freshfields Village, the new medical pavilion will cover an area of 12,056 square feet and aims for a completion date in late 2025. The facility will be a game changer for residents, especially those aged 65 and older, as population growth continues in the area.

An Array of Services to Be Offered

The 24/7 medical pavilion promises to offer a wide range of services designed to meet the community’s healthcare needs. A free-standing emergency room will feature trauma rooms, fast-track triage, CT scan, and radiology services. There will also be a fully equipped lab, advanced imaging capabilities, and a helipad for those critical cases needing urgent care.

In addition to emergency services, the facility will include primary care and cardiology services, expanding to other outpatient options such as physical therapy, infusion, and telehealth. This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that both residents and visitors have immediate access to high-quality medical services whenever needed.

Positive Impact on Local Community

“We are very excited to be able to provide enhanced access to emergency, primary care and specialty services to the residents and visitors of the Sea Islands community,” shared Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., CEO of MUSC Health. Construction is expected to commence shortly, with an estimated timeline of 15 to 18 months to complete the project.

This development is part of MUSC Health’s broader strategy to improve healthcare access across the greater Tri-County region. The focus is to provide specialized and complex care as well as continuity of care, particularly in underserved areas. Since 2019, four multispecialty ambulatory care centers have already launched in surrounding locations, expanding high-quality medical services to more residents.

Long Journey to Achieve this Milestone

Chris Randolph from South Street Partners remarked on the ten-year journey it took to get to this milestone. “This project was initiated to meet the immense need for medical services for this important community. We have been working for almost 10 years to bring accessible healthcare to the Sea Islands.”

He added, “This is a significant step in the development process of the facility. We are proud to partner with MUSC and feel blessed to be part of an initiative that will enhance the quality of healthcare in this area.”

Funding Goals and Community Support

The project requires approximately $30 million in funding, with MUSC Health committed to raising $17 million through private funding efforts. So far, they have secured over $11 million, much of it from local residents eager to support this essential development.

A Vision for Better Healthcare

For more than 200 years, MUSC has served as South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health system, consistently ranking among the top providers in the state. The mission is clear: to preserve and optimize human life through education, research, and patient care.

As we look ahead, the MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion is a promising step forward in ensuring that the Sea Islands community receives the medical attention it desperately needs. With hard work, community support, and a strong partnership, this facility has the potential to transform healthcare access in this beautiful region.