News Summary
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is set to construct a new outpatient clinic in Beaufort County, SC, valued at $24 million. This facility aims to enhance healthcare access for local veterans, replacing the undersized existing clinic at the Naval Hospital. The new clinic will span up to 71,663 square feet and create approximately 100 jobs. The VA is currently in the procurement phase, with a decision on the location expected by the end of September.
BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to build a new outpatient clinic in Beaufort County, South Carolina, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for local veterans. This initiative, valued at $24 million, will replace the existing smaller VA clinic located within Beaufort’s Naval Hospital, addressing significant service limitations that have forced veterans to travel long distances for medical care.
The proposed clinic will span approximately 48,000 to 70,000 square feet, featuring two to three stories and accommodating 500 parking spaces. It is anticipated to create around 100 job opportunities in the county, which has a veteran population of about 17,000, representing roughly 11% of its total population.
Currently, the VA is in the procurement phase, waiting for the lease application for the new facility to be awarded, with a decision expected by the end of September. Three potential sites have been identified for the new clinic: two locations in Port Royal and one in Beaufort. The specific sites under consideration include a 28-acre property on Robert Smalls Parkway, a 16-acre wooded area within Beaufort city limits, and an 11-acre plot off Ribaut Road, which is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
The existing VA clinic at the Naval Hospital is significantly undersized, comprising only 8,453 net usable square feet, compared to the anticipated 71,663 square feet of the new facility. As a result, the current clinic’s services are limited, often requiring veterans to travel as far as Charleston (approximately an hour and 45 minutes away) or Savannah (about an hour and a half away) for necessary care.
Improved Services and Future Expansion
The VA’s decision to construct this new facility aligns with its goal to expand community-based outpatient clinics across the nation. The new clinic will provide a comprehensive range of medical services, including primary care, mental health services, ambulatory care, and specialty services such as an eye clinic, physical and occupational therapy, prosthetics, dental care, laboratory, and pharmacy services. This expansion is particularly timely as the VA anticipates an increased demand for ambulatory and mental health services over the next two decades.
In addition to improving healthcare access, the new clinic is projected to alleviate the annual operational lease cost for the current site at Naval Hospital, which stands at $432,774. The lease for the Naval Hospital site will expire on January 5, 2028, making the timing critical for the new construction to take place. The estimated annual operating lease cost at the new facility is projected to reach approximately $4.6 million.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
The construction of the new clinic is expected to take between 18 months to two years, contingent upon obtaining the requisite permits and approvals. Local officials are also evaluating potential future uses for the Naval Hospital site following the VA’s relocation of outpatient services. Recent discussions regarding the future of the hospital intensified as the VA sought new land for its clinic, although closure of the VA services is reported to have no adverse effects on the operational hospital.
Conclusion
As the VA prepares to enhance healthcare facilities for veterans in Beaufort County, the project represents a significant investment in both medical services and local job creation. With the new clinic set to bolster healthcare accessibility, veterans can anticipate improved and more convenient access to essential services, ultimately supporting their well-being.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Considers New Outpatient Clinic for Veterans
Beaufort Honors Gionna Gentry as Veteran of the Week
Additional Resources
- WJCL: New Veterans Clinic Coming to Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Veterans Health Administration
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Search: Beaufort Veterans Clinic
- Savannah Now: New Savannah VA Clinic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- MSN: New Veterans Clinic Coming to Beaufort County
- Google News: Beaufort County Veterans Clinic
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.
