Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital expands Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department beds and imaging

On Monday, July 14, Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital notched two major expansion milestones by more than doubling the capacity of the Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department and significantly enhancing its imaging suite. 

These upgrades are part of Roper St. Francis Healthcare's 2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on optimizing the system's footprint and addressing future clinical needs of the community. 

Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department expansion

As the first phase of a multi-part expansion, the Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department at Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital has grown from 14 to 31 patient bays, more than doubling its capacity. This substantial increase allows the department to care for a growing patient population more efficiently, with expanded space for both clinical care and support services. Approximately 30 new teammates have joined the Emergency Department team to support this growth and help maintain the system's high standard of care. 

Back-of-house enhancements include a larger break room, expanded locker areas and the addition of a shower for use during the activation of storm teams, Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s operational protocol for emergencies such as hurricanes. The nurses' stations have also been enlarged to provide more workspace and improve team workflows. 

ED Nurse Manager Patti Peterson praised her team's flexibility and enthusiasm throughout the project. 

"The team has really shown ownership of their space, and you can tell they're really excited about it," she said. "They've played hands-on roles in preparing for the expansion, from stocking supply rooms to setting up workstations." 

While these updates are currently behind the scenes, the final phase of the expansion — an expanded public lobby and four more patient bays — is slated for completion in spring 2026. 

Imaging suite expansion 

The hospital’s Imaging Department is also undergoing a significant transformation with the addition of a second fixed MRI and CT scanner, effectively doubling its diagnostic capacity. This investment will reduce wait times and improve access to advanced imaging services, particularly during peak hours. 

“Our team is excited to bring this level of care to Berkeley County,” Manager of Imaging Josh McCormack said. “Adding a second MRI and CT means shorter wait times and greater access, especially during peak hours.” 

An additional X-ray was also added to specifically support the expansion of emergency services. 

Ten new teammates have joined the imaging team to support the expanded services, which offer not only additional space and advanced technology but also more capacity for personalized, high-quality care. 

Women’s Imaging Services will also debut its newly expanded space within the Medical Office Building, along with Wound Care, on July 21.