(11/22/2013)  Senator Dick F. Elliott was recognized at McLeod Seacoast on Thursday evening, November 21, with a ceremony and reception to unveil his bronze sculpture to commemorate his years of service and dedication in bringing quality healthcare to citizens of the North Strand area. 

 "Senator Elliott was instrumental in providing support to the Loris Healthcare System Board of Commissioners to build Seacoast Medical Center," said Ronald Fowler, trustee of the McLeod Health Board.  "His leadership was also vital in the most recent expansion of the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit in Loris as well.  Seacoast was built upon Senator Elliott’s philosophy of communities working together for the common good." 

To keep pace with growing communities and increasing medical needs, the Loris Healthcare System Board of Commissioners and administration saw a need for expanded emergency and inpatient care for neighboring communities along the North Strand.  Plans for Seacoast Medical Center in Little River were unveiled, a Certificate of Need was granted and construction began in August 1998. In January of 2012, residents of Horry and southern Brunswick and Columbus Counties were introduced to two newly named hospitals and a number of new medical practices.  The name changes to McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast came after more than a year of working on formalizing a partnership with McLeod Health.

Senator Elliott has lived in the North Myrtle Beach area for more than 60 years. He started Elliott Beach Rentals in 1959 and has been very active through the years with numerous boards, committees and civic organizations county wide.  He and his wife, Anne, have one daughter, two sons and three grandchildren. 

The sculpture was created by Maria J. Kirby-Smith, a sculptor who resides and works in Camden, S.C., the same town Senator Elliott called home until 1959.  The sculpture cabinet, made of Sapele and Rosewood, was created by Chuck Black, owner and operator of The Woodshop in Darlington, S.C.

About McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast                         

McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast provide care for residents of northern Horry County, South Carolina, and southern Brunswick and Columbus Counties in North Carolina. Founded in 1950, McLeod Loris is a fully-accredited acute care facility with 105 licensed beds.  McLeod Seacoast opened in 2000 as an outpatient facility.  In July 2011, McLeod Seacoast began providing inpatient care as a 50-bed hospital. On January 9, 2012, both facilities became part of the McLeod family of quality healthcare facilities.  Other facilities located in Horry County affiliated with McLeod Health are Loris Extended Care Center and the Center for Health and Fitness.