News Summary
A new study shows that hospitals in South Carolina contribute over $36.75 billion to the economy, creating more than 203,000 jobs. This major role in the economy emphasizes the significance of healthcare facilities, which also provide substantial uncompensated care. With a projected 17.2% growth in healthcare jobs over the next decade, hospitals will continue to be a crucial component of job creation and community health support in the state.
Columbia, SC – A new study reveals that hospitals in South Carolina generate more than $36.75 billion annually in economic impact, significantly driving the state’s economic growth and job creation. With healthcare becoming a pivotal cornerstone of the state’s economy, hospitals not only provide essential medical services but also serve as major employers and contributors to local economies.
According to the report, hospitals are responsible for over 203,000 jobs across South Carolina, providing a total annual labor income of $13.2 billion. This employment landscape places the healthcare and social assistance sector as the leading employer in the state, accounting for 13.2 percent of the total workforce. Additionally, each job created within hospitals tends to generate nearly one additional job within the local economy, showcasing a significant multiplier effect.
Looking to the future, employment within the healthcare and social assistance sectors is anticipated to grow by 17.2 percent over the next decade. This growth highlights the increasing demand for healthcare services and underscores the importance of hospitals in supporting the state’s economic framework.
On a personal level, South Carolina hospitals play a crucial role in patient care, treating nearly 1.9 million individual patients each year and conducting more than 25.5 million medical procedures. Additionally, the state handles over 2.3 million emergency department visits annually, illustrating the vital healthcare services these institutions provide.
The financial impact of these hospitals extends beyond traditional healthcare roles. They collectively offer over $3.2 billion in uncompensated and charity care every year, reflecting their commitment to serving low-income and uninsured patients. In relation to the quality of healthcare, South Carolina ranks 10th in healthcare quality and 13th in hospital quality, according to the latest 2024 rankings by US News & World Report. Moreover, the safety of these hospitals is noteworthy, as the state ranks 5th in the nation for the percentage of hospitals receiving an A grade for safety.
Highlighting the importance of healthcare facilities in rural areas, Hampton Regional Medical Center serves as a significant employer in Hampton County, second only to the local government. The center is currently expanding its Emergency Department through an $8 million investment, alongside a $2 million expansion of its surgical services, furthering its capability to serve the community.
Similarly, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has made substantial contributions to public health, providing more than $1.82 million in services to underserved populations through partnerships with local clinics. The anticipated Bluffton Community Hospital is expected to create 250 new jobs during its first year of operation after breaking ground, further enhancing employment opportunities in the region.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital has also engaged in vital transportation services, successfully providing transport for 1,178 patients from diverse zip codes in 2024. As part of their community engagement, the hospital’s mobile wellness unit conducted 86 health screening events for 1,670 people, offering essential health assessments and vaccinations. This proactive approach illustrates a commitment to preventative healthcare and community wellness.
In addition to health services, Beaufort Memorial has supported local initiatives such as donating $225,000 worth of food to “Meals on Wheels” programs since October 2020. Collaborative efforts with MUSC Health have also resulted in the recruitment of over 50 healthcare providers since 2022, further enhancing healthcare access for local residents.
This study, conducted by Hanover Research, provides essential insights into the economic impact and labor market contributions of hospitals in South Carolina. The findings underscore the multifaceted role hospitals play in both community health and economic vitality, demonstrating that their influence extends well beyond medical care.
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Live 5 News
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Charleston Business
- Carolina Journal
- Wikipedia: Economic Impact of Healthcare
- Google Search: economic impact of hospitals
- Google Scholar: hospital economic impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: hospitals economic roles
- Google News: hospitals economic impact south carolina
