Residents of Carolina Forest celebrated a milestone on August 27, 2026 when McLeod Health held a ribbon‑cutting ceremony for its new four‑story, 48‑bed hospital. The $90 million facility, located on the existing campus that already houses an emergency department, a surgery center and a radiology lab, is slated to open to patients in October pending final inspections.
Why the Hospital Matters to Local Families
For people like Barbara Baranowski, who lives within walking distance, the new inpatient beds mean that a serious illness or injury no longer requires a lengthy drive to another town. “I could probably walk if I had to, so it means a lot that when you need the care you don’t have to go across town or downtown or another place,” she said at the open house.
Until the inpatient unit is operational, patients who need an overnight stay are stabilized locally and then transferred elsewhere. The addition of 48 beds will keep roughly 1,700 to 1,900 emergency patients a year from having to make that second trip, easing the burden on families during already stressful moments.
Job Growth for the Community
Scott Montgomery, CEO of the Carolina Forest campus, reported that the campus already employs about 120 staff members. The inpatient expansion will add roughly 75 new positions, bringing total employment on the site to around 195. These jobs—nursing, technical, housekeeping, food service and overnight staffing—are year‑round, providing stable work in a region that often sees seasonal swings tied to tourism.
What the Hospital Does Not Yet Offer
While the new building brings many services closer to home—emergency care, surgical care, imaging, lab work and rehabilitation—it does not currently have a trauma designation. Patients with the most severe injuries will still be routed to a trauma‑center elsewhere. This limitation is typical for a new community hospital and may be addressed in future years.
Cost Increase Explained
The project’s price rose from the $56 million announced in April 2024 to $90 million at opening, a roughly 60 percent increase. Industry analysts point to higher material and labor costs, financing changes and added equipment as likely contributors. A fifth floor was also built but left unfinished for future expansion, adding structural cost without increasing the current bed count.
McLeod Health has not provided a detailed accounting of the cost growth, and there is no evidence of waste or mismanagement. Nonetheless, local taxpayers and donors have a legitimate interest in understanding how their community’s nonprofit hospital allocates resources.
Looking Ahead
Once inspections are completed, the hospital will begin admitting patients, reducing the need for out‑of‑area transfers and strengthening local health infrastructure. The community will continue to benefit from the existing emergency department while awaiting the addition of trauma services, which may be considered as the hospital matures.
For now, the ribbon‑cutting marks a tangible step toward matching the rapid residential growth of Carolina Forest with essential health services, reinforcing the area’s appeal for families seeking both modern amenities and reliable medical care.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
