McLeod Carolina Forest Opens A New Surgery Center

By Jennifer Hulon

Surgery centers are healthcare facilities that complement hospital services, providing patients with access to high-quality surgical services in an outpatient setting.

These facilities are equipped with advanced technology and skilled medical teams, ensuring that urgent procedures can be performed efficiently and safely. Patients treated at these centers do not require an overnight hospital stay and may go home the same day as their surgical procedure to recover in the comfort of their home.

McLeod Health continues to fulfill the promise of delivering exceptional and convenient health services with the opening of the new McLeod Carolina Forest Surgery Center, located on the McLeod Health Carolina Forest main campus on International Drive.

“We are not a healthcare operating company,” said Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health. “We are a mission-driven, not-for-profit healthcare system invested in caring for the communities we serve.”

The largest surgery center in Horry County, McLeod Carolina Forest Surgery Center has four operating rooms, two procedure rooms, and 17 pre- and post-op procedure rooms. Various specialty services are offered, including urology; gastroenterology; plastic surgery; orthopedics; ear, nose, and throat; and pain management.

“The McLeod Carolina Forest Surgery Center provides convenient access to exceptional surgical care close to home,” said Dr. David Atkinson, McLeod Carolina Forest Surgery Center Medical Director. “I am pleased patients and their family members have the opportunity to experience the high level of care that comes from our devotion to quality and personable service.”

The McLeod Carolina Forest Surgery Center is on the  first floor of Building 3 on the McLeod Health Carolina Forest campus.

“Our surgeons and staff are highly trained medical professionals who are committed to providing their patients with the best possible care,” said Beth Hicks, Chief Nursing Officer of McLeod Carolina Forest.

As Horry County continues to experience rapid population growth, access to high-quality healthcare services becomes increasingly critical. A state-of-the-art hospital is under construction on the McLeod Health Carolina Forest campus, scheduled to open in summer 2026. With more than 110,000 patient visits at the Carolina Forest campus over the past year, McLeod Health recognizes the importance of having a dedicated inpatient facility conveniently located nearby.

The new McLeod Carolina Forest Hospital will house operating suites, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, providing complete medical capabilities. The Carolina Forest campus already includes outpatient buildings offering primary care, specialty care and emergency services.

“Both the new surgery center and hospital enhance our ability to provide exceptional care to more individuals and generate valuable job opportunities within our local area,” said McLeod Carolina Forest and McLeod Loris CEO Scott Montgomery. “By expanding our services and creating new employment, we are investing in the health and economic vitality of our community.”