Wednesday, February 18, 2015
-
Statement on Expansion in Berkeley County
Roper St. Francis’ plans to expand in Berkeley County took a significant step forward today with a unanimous ruling by the South Carolina Court of Appeals.
The Court affirmed our position that there is a need in Berkeley County for two hospitals. The judges’ decision is a victory for the Lowcountry and for Roper St. Francis.
Roper St. Francis has been involved in litigation against Trident Medical Center for six years on whether we should be allowed to build a 50-bed acute care hospital at Carnes Crossroads in Goose Creek. Trident Medical Center lost in the Administrative Law court and appealed to the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Today’s ruling from the South Carolina Court of Appeals makes it clear that a new Roper St. Francis facility in Berkeley County would be more convenient for our patients who now must travel to downtown Roper Hospital. The beds in the new Berkeley County hospital would be transferred from Roper Hospital to better serve our patients.
Any additional delay perpetuated by Trident Health System should be seen as a lack of regard for the residents of Berkeley County, one of the fastest growing in the country.
Berkeley County residents deserve high-quality healthcare, and we look forward to expanding our existing services in the community.