Trident Health to build Charleston area free-standing emergency department

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Citing a critical need for emergency services on Johns Island, Trident Health has revealed plans to begin construction on Johns Island Emergency, a freestanding emergency department.

Construction is scheduled to start towards the end of 2024, according to a news release. The news comes five months after the health system announced plans to build a 50-bed, $270 million hospital on Johns Island.

“Johns Island Emergency allows us to respond quickly to the critical need for emergency services on the island before we can build a hospital,” said Landon Smith, chief operating officer of Trident Health’s flagship hospital, Trident Medical Center, in the release. “It will provide emergency services 24/7 by physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine.”

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The $15 million freestanding emergency department will be built on the site of the proposed Johns Island Hospital, along Maybank Highway near Zelasko Road, the release stated.

Johns Island Emergency will include 11 patient rooms, which include a designated trauma room; in-house diagnostic labs; and advanced imaging and stroke and behavioral health telemedicine services.  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.

Trident Health includes Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center, Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness and four freestanding ERs – Brighton Park Emergency, Centre Pointe Emergency, James Island Emergency, which opened in September 2023, and Moncks Corner Medical Center.

“Lives are at risk when emergency care is delayed,” said Dr. Scott Hayes, who serves as Trident Health’s system medical director for emergency services. “Our plans to build Johns Island Emergency, in addition to James Island Emergency, which recently opened, are examples of Trident Health’s continued commitment to increasing access to much needed medical services, especially to underserved communities.”

Last year, more than 170,000 patients received emergency care in a Trident Health emergency department, according to the release.

Timeline of Recent Trident Health Expansion of Care sites, according to the release:

June 2023

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness opens. The 60-bed mental health hospital provides inpatient and outpatient care to adolescents (age 12+) and adults.  It’s located at 3445 Ingleside Blvd., Ladson, SC 29456.

September 2023

James Island Emergency opens; the first ER on the island. The freestanding emergency department is open 24/7 and is located at 945 Folly Road, Charleston.

November 2023

Trident Health announces plans to build a 50-bed, $270 million Johns Island Hospital.

February 2024

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness opens first satellite office in downtown Charleston, SC – Live Oak Mental Health Therapy Center.  It offers Intensive Outpatient Therapy.  It’s located at 40 Calhoun St., Suite 230, Charleston.