Trident Health Plans to Build Free-standing Emergency Department in Charleston Area

Trident Health to Construct Free-standing Emergency Department in Charleston Area

In response to the pressing need for emergency services in Johns Island, Trident Health has announced its plans to initiate the construction of a freestanding emergency department named Johns Island Emergency. The project is set to begin towards the end of 2024, according to a recent company press release.

This news comes five months following Trident Health’s announcement of its intention to erect a 50-bed, $270 million hospital on Johns Island. The Johns Island Emergency department, a $15 million project, will be located on the same site as the proposed Johns Island Hospital, along Maybank Highway near Zelasko Road.

About Johns Island Emergency Department

The forthcoming Johns Island Emergency department will comprise 11 patient rooms, including a designated trauma room, in-house diagnostic labs, and innovative imaging, stroke and behavioral health telemedicine services. There will also be a dedicated team of board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nurses and clinicians to provide 24/7 care to children and adults, complete with advanced procedural and inpatient care.

“Johns Island Emergency enables us to swiftly respond to the critical need for emergency services on the island before we can construct a hospital,” explained Landon Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Trident Health’s flagship hospital, Trident Medical Center.

Trident Health’s Expansion

Trident Health comprises Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center, Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness, and four other freestanding ERs – Brighton Park Emergency, Centre Pointe Emergency, James Island Emergency, and Moncks Corner Medical Center. The proposed Jhon’s Island Emergency will be the latest addition to the network.

“Whenever emergency care is delayed, lives are put at risk,” said Dr. Scott Hayes, who serves as Trident Health’s system medical director for emergency services. “Our plan to develop Johns Island Emergency, in addition to the recent opening of James Island Emergency – are instances of Trident Health’s steadfast dedication towards amplifying access to indispensable medical services, primarily in underserved communities.”

In 2024, more than 170,000 patients were administered emergency care in a Trident Health emergency department, as mentioned in the press release.

Recent Expansions by Trident Health

Over the past few years, Trident Health has achieved several milestones in enhancing the provision of healthcare services in the region:

– June 2023: Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness opens. This facility is a 60-bed mental health hospital that offers inpatient and outpatient care to adolescents and adults.
– September 2023: The first ER on the island, James Island Emergency, begins its operations. This facility is open 24/7.
– November 2023: Trident Health announces its intention to construct a 50-bed, $270 million Johns Island Hospital.
– February 2024: Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness inaugurates its first satellite office in downtown Charleston, SC, named as Live Oak Mental Health Therapy Center. It provides Intensive Outpatient Therapy.

Trident Health continues to build on their commitment to improve community access to healthcare, planning for more projects that are essential in meeting the increasing healthcare demands of the South Carolina community.