News Summary

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are undergoing significant healthcare advancements, including a new hybrid emergency department and affordable workforce housing for essential workers. Beaufort Memorial Hospital is leading the establishment of the hybrid facility, while Novant Health is developing housing initiatives to address urgent needs for healthcare professionals and improve overall community access to healthcare services.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton Healthcare Developments Underway

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are experiencing significant healthcare advancements to meet urgent care needs and address workforce housing shortages.

Hybrid Emergency Department and Urgent Care Facility

• Beaufort Memorial Hospital is developing a new “hybrid” emergency department and urgent care facility at 1016 William Hilton Parkway.
• The project has progressed through the town’s development review process over the last four months.
• A pre-application meeting request was submitted eight months ago, with Broad River Healthcare closing on the property in October.
• The design was modified to incorporate muted colors to align with the island’s aesthetic and has been conditionally approved.

Key Details:

• Construction Permit: Received from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services on March 11.
• Facility License: Still requires licensing from the South Carolina Department of Health and a Fire & Life Safety review.
• Accreditation: The facility must obtain accreditation from The Joint Commission.
• Opening Date: Scheduled for winter 2026. The facility will provide urgent care services but cannot admit patients for overnight stays.
• Transfer Procedure: Patients needing overnight care will be transferred to a traditional hospital.
• Bluffton Hospital: Beaufort Memorial is also planning a 28-bed hospital in Bluffton, pending local approvals.

Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative

Novant Health is set to develop affordable workforce housing in Hilton Head Island, aiming to combat housing shortages for essential workers.

• A total of 141 housing units are planned, catering to essential workers like healthcare professionals and first responders.
• Over 14,000 workers commute daily to Hilton Head due to the shortage of available housing.
• Rising housing costs hinder recruitment and retention in the healthcare sector.
• Novant Health acquired nearly 10 acres of land during the purchase of Hilton Head Hospital for this initiative.
• Construction Start: Expected in early 2026, with units available by mid to late 2027.

Project Highlights:

• Housing units will range from studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments, targeting individuals and families earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income.
• A community center and amenities will support a sense of community.
• Novant Health will reserve at least 30% of units for staff, ensuring housing priority for hospital workers.
• Abode Development will oversee the project, focusing on energy efficiency.

Future Hospital in Bluffton

Novant Health is also planning a $320 million full-service community hospital in Bluffton.

• The facility will span 194,000 square feet and will start with 50 beds, with potential expansion plans.
• Projected job creation exceeds 1,000 new positions in the Bluffton area within five years.
• Services will include outpatient clinics, surgery centers, primary care, and a freestanding emergency department.
• The freestanding emergency department is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026, following state approval for the Certificate of Need.

These initiatives are aimed at improving healthcare access and addressing critical housing needs for the communities of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

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Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today: Novant Announces Plan to Bring Affordable Housing to Hilton Head
• Island Packet: Local Healthcare Developments
• WSAV: Bluffton’s Future Healthcare Investment
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island affordable housing
• Post and Courier: Beaufort Memorial Hospital and Novant Opposition
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare in South Carolina
• WTOC: Man Airlifted After Alligator Attack in Beaufort County
• Google News: Novant Health Bluffton hospital