An Inside Look at the New Medical Facility

World-class healthcare and emergency medical services are coming to Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Johns Island! As a result of a partnership between the Medical University of South Carolina and Kiawah Partners, opportunities to receive medical care on the remote island will become more readily available. Kiawah Partners proudly donated six acres of land needed for the development of the MUSC Medical Pavilion in order for the project to be made possible. We are ecstatic to announce that construction began this September, and the Sea Islands Medical Pavilion is set to open in 2023!

Continue reading to learn more about how this state-of-the-art medical facility will positively impact Sea Island community members, specifically at Kiawah Island. 

Meeting the Needs of Our Members

The islands of Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook are positioned approximately 30 miles outside of Charleston and roughly 20 miles from the nearest hospital. In comparison to nearby towns in Charleston County, the islands experience a degree of geographical isolation because a wide network of waterways separates them from the mainland. However, in recent years, populations on these islands have increased quickly and continue to grow. 

By 2024, it is predicted there will be close to 31,000 additional residents aged 65 and up in the area. Retirees make up a significant portion of the community’s population, and they typically have a high need for both primary care and emergency medical services. Since 2016, the total number of trauma transports to MUSC has climbed by 52 percent within the population of senior citizens. Over the past two years, fall-related injuries have doubled and chronic illnesses continue to show up in these individuals. Furthermore, seasonal tourists account for a large proportion of the population who have difficulty navigating local health services.

Senior residents and tourists together face obstacles when it comes to locating and receiving healthcare. With our region’s population expanding comes a greater demand for accessible medical care. In the South Carolina Lowcountry, overpopulation has led to an urgent need for increased health services, exacerbated by the islands’ isolation, demography, and community health profiles. Fortunately, the MUSC Health Sea Islands Medical Pavilion will bridge this gap. 

Modern Facility Components and Services

The project for the Sea Islands Medical Pavilion was designed with the needs of Island residents in mind when it comes to life-saving medical treatment. When complete, the 22,740-square-foot facility will provide the community with two main components: a free-standing emergency room and a medical office building. The free-standing Emergency Room includes trauma rooms, fast-track triage, radiology, full lab services, and a helipad. Additionally, the medical office building houses services for primary care, specialty care, telehealth pods, and an onsite lab for diagnostic treatments. 

Other medical treatments and clinical services include: 

• Orthopedics
• Cardiology with rotating subspecialties including ECHO and EKG testing
• ENT
• MDVIP primary care
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Imaging, including CT, X-ray, and Ultrasound

An Extension of Community Values

The new medical facility will give locals and visitors alike quick and easy access to MUSC Health’s emergency care services, select outpatient services, and some of the nation’s best primary and specialty care doctors. Enhanced admission to life-saving medical care will improve the overall quality of health and life on Kiawah Island and other neighboring isles. 

Other advantages of the Sea Islands Medical Pavilion consist of MUSC Health’s Primary Stroke Center and MUSC Health’s Chest Pain Center. On top of that, patients will receive 24/7 access to highly trained board-certified emergency physicians and a network of support personnel ready to respond to any health crisis with shorter wait times than traditional emergency departments. 

Find Your Perfect Home at Kiawah Island

After learning about the new emergency and primary medical center near Kiawah Island, it’s time to choose your dream home. On Kiawah Island’s private community, you may choose from a wide range of residences, including charming villas next to championship golf courses and opulent houses on the water. Furthermore, residency on Kiawah Island comes with endless opportunities to explore the Island and enjoy high-end amenities by becoming a Club Member. Thanks to the upcoming Sea Islands Medical Pavilion, we are excited for Members to experience Island Life to the fullest while remaining happy and healthy! 

Keep up with Kiawah Island News to stay up to date on the progress of the Medical Pavilion and learn more about the Island by connecting with us!