Hilton Head, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort Memorial Hospital plans to enhance healthcare access on Hilton Head Island by opening a $20 million hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility by winter 2026. This facility, the first of its kind in South Carolina, will provide comprehensive medical services for the growing population in the area. Located at 1016 William Hilton Parkway, it aims to streamline patient care while reducing costs for emergency and urgent care services.
Beaufort Memorial to Open Hybrid Emergency Room and Urgent Care Facility in Hilton Head by Winter 2026
Beaufort Memorial Hospital is advancing healthcare access on Hilton Head Island with plans to open a $20 million hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility by winter 2026. This facility will be the first of its kind in South Carolina and aims to provide comprehensive medical services to the rapidly growing population in the region.
This unique medical center is a collaborative effort between Beaufort Memorial, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Intuitive Health, a medical group based in Texas. It is set to be situated at 1016 William Hilton Parkway, on the site of a former Goodwill store, allowing for easy access for residents and visitors.
Upon arrival, patients will undergo an assessment conducted by emergency-trained physicians or nurses, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate level of care promptly. In fact, studies show that approximately 75% of patients seeking treatment in similar hybrid facilities are treated at the urgent care level, which correlates with significantly reduced medical bills compared to traditional emergency room visits. On average, emergency room visits in South Carolina cost around $1,758, while urgent care visits are substantially more affordable, typically ranging from $100 to $200.
Facility Features and Operations
The hybrid facility will operate 24/7 and is expected to be equipped with onsite lab equipment, X-ray machines, and CT scanners, streamlining the diagnostic process for patients. This innovative approach not only aims to alleviate overcrowding in emergency rooms but also enhances overall patient care quality.
As demand for accessible healthcare continues to surge in Beaufort County, notable statistics have revealed that this area experienced a 7.8% increase in population from 2020 to 2024. Currently, Hilton Head Island houses only one traditional emergency room, which is approximately 20 minutes away from Coligny Beach Park, making the establishment of this new facility a significant advancement in health accessibility for both residents and tourists alike.
Future Healthcare Plans
Further enhancing healthcare services in the region, Beaufort Memorial is also working on a $103 million community hospital in Bluffton, expected to be operational by the end of 2026. This new hospital is designed to include laboratory and imaging services, as well as a surgery center, thereby reducing emergency care travel times from 20-30 minutes to just 5-10 minutes.
In addition to these projects, Beaufort Memorial has initiated plans for a mental health facility and improvements to existing operating rooms, which will foster a more comprehensive healthcare framework within the community.
The hybrid emergency and urgent care facility is anticipated to not only streamline care decisions for patients but also mitigate the confusion that often arises during medical emergencies. This initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of Beaufort Memorial and its partners to prioritize accessible and efficient healthcare solutions for the residents of Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new hybrid emergency and urgent care facility?
The new hybrid facility aims to provide accessible healthcare by offering both emergency and urgent care services under one roof, thereby streamlining care delivery and reducing healthcare costs.
Where will the facility be located?
The facility will be located at 1016 William Hilton Parkway, on the site of a former Goodwill store on Hilton Head Island.
When is the facility expected to open?
The hybrid emergency room and urgent care facility is expected to open in winter 2026.
What kind of services will the facility provide?
The facility will provide 24/7 emergency and urgent care services, along with onsite lab equipment, X-ray machines, and CT scanners for comprehensive diagnostics.
Key Features of the Hybrid Facility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1016 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island |
| Total Investment | $20 million |
| Opening Date | Winter 2026 |
| Services Offered | Emergency care and urgent care services, 24/7 operation |
| Equipment | Onsite lab, X-ray machines, CT scanners |
| Patient Assessment | Emergency-trained physicians/nurses determine care level |
| Population Growth | 7.8% population increase from 2020-2024 in Beaufort County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSAV News
- Wikipedia: Hybrid Emergency Rooms
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: Health Care Access South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urgent Care Facilities
- Your Island News
- Google News: Beaufort Memorial Hybrid Facility
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
