McLeod Seacoast was host to the North Myrtle Beach Chamber After Hours event on Thursday, March 17, held in the new McLeod Seacoast Emergency Department. This is the first time the doors of the 9,600 square foot addition have been opened for public viewing. Business leaders across Horry, Brunswick and Florence counties were in attendance for the unveiling.

Anticipation of the new Emergency Department opening is growing among McLeod Health staff as well as the community. This event has offered a preview of the commitment McLeod Health has made to meet the healthcare needs of this growing area.

North Myrtle Beach Chamber members were able to tour the new state-of-the-art facility. The members had the opportunity to view 28 new patient rooms, including an OB/GYN room for women’s services, an orthopedics room, bariatric room, triage rooms, and trauma areas. Emergency Department staff members guided visitors throughout the department offering details per area. The modern architectural design of the Emergency Department gave everyone the opportunity to freely explore the facility. Reflecting this level of transparency of the new Emergency Department shows the assurance McLeod Health holds in this investment.

McLeod Health critical care transporters, McLeod Air Reach and McLeod HeartReach were on hand to reflect the multiple facets of patient convenience and care McLeod Health personifies. They offered the members the opportunity to ask questions and see inside these mobile intensive care units that are used to transport critical patients quickly and safely when seconds count. The Critical Care Transport team provides ready access to all McLeod Health care facilities, ensuring the continuum of care needed in emergency cases.

“This new Emergency Department accommodates the healthcare demands of our growing area and will provide access to quality healthcare when
emergency services are needed,” said Dick Tinsley, Administrator for McLeod Seacoast and McLeod Loris Hospitals. “The McLeod Seacoast Emergency Department accommodated over 27,000 patients in 2015, and as our local community grows, McLeod Seacoast is committed to improving and expanding its services and medical treatment available to families and residents who entrust us with their care.”

“The new Emergency Department is going to allow us to continue providing quality care to our growing community,” said Dr. Timothy Carr, Medical Director of the McLeod Seacoast Emergency Department. “The new facility will help in lowering wait times because we will have the capacity to serve the growing population along the strand.”

The new Emergency Department expansion is the first phase in an overall construction plan that will include a new inpatient tower, new operating rooms, and an expanded same-day services suite. A new concourse will be the most visible renovation for the public. This will change the appearance of McLeod Seacoast and will offer a public thoroughfare at the hospital entrance for ease of navigation to services and access.