Ahead of the completion of a 50-bed hospital on James Island, Trident Health announced plans to build a standalone emergency department.
“Johns Island Emergency allows us to respond quickly to the critical need for emergency services on the island before we can build a hospital,” Trident Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Landon Smith said. “It will provide emergency services 24/7 by physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine.”
The $15 million facility will have a trauma room, 11 patient rooms, imaging, stroke, and behavioral health services, and diagnostics labs.
While the construction of the hospital is continuing, Trident Health officials know there is a need for immediate emergency assistance.
“Johns Island Emergency allows us to respond quickly to the critical need for emergency services on the island before we can build a hospital,” added Smith.
Construction of the emergency department is set to begin before the end of the year.
“Lives are at risk when emergency care is delayed,” said Dr. Scott Hayes, medical director for emergency services for Trident Health, he continued, "commitment to increasing access to much-needed medical services, especially to underserved communities."
Trident already has medical emergency rooms in Moncks Corner, North Charleston, and Summerville. According to the health system’s emergency services the rooms treated 170,000 patients in 2023.
Trident Health wants to eliminate the length of travel it takes to respond to emergencies.
“Currently on Johns Island and neighboring communities, it can take residents 30 to 45 minutes to drive to their nearest hospital, and often longer in heavy traffic and inclement weather. Our goal is to increase access to timely, high quality, and affordable health care services,” said Trident Health President and CEO Christina Oh.
The facility will be staffed by board certified emergency physicians, and specially trained nurses and other clinicians will provide care to adults and children with access to advanced procedural and inpatient care.
