FAQs: CMC Emergency Department-Socastee
1. What is the reason for this expansion?
The addition of emergency services at CMC Health Plaza South will expand access to high-quality, integrated care in rapidly growing South Horry County. Currently, residents have limited access to emergency services and face long travel times or overcrowding at other facilities. This aligns with our mission to deliver the best healthcare to our community.
2. Where exactly will the new emergency department be located?
The CMC Emergency Department-Socastee will be integrated into our existing CMC Health Plaza South campus in Socastee, creating seamless connections with our ambulatory surgery center and outpatient clinics.
3. When is the new emergency department expected to open?
Pending permitting and construction, we are aiming for an October 2026 opening.
4. What services will be offered as part of this expansion?
The integrated facility will feature:
- 8-bed emergency department designed for 10,000+ annual patient visits
- Shared state-of-the-art imaging center serving both emergency and outpatient needs, including CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, and MRI
- 24/7 emergency care
- Seamless coordination with existing ambulatory surgery center and outpatient clinics
- Space allocated for future expansion
- Optimized workflow design to maximize operational efficiencies between services
5. How will this expansion impact our existing services?
The new emergency services will complement and enhance our existing services at CMC Health Plaza South. The integrated design will improve efficiency and care coordination while serving the growing healthcare needs in South Horry County.
6. How will this facility benefit CMC employees?
The facility will create numerous healthcare positions and serve as an additional training site for healthcare workers, providing new career advancement opportunities.
7. Is this part of a larger strategic plan for CMC?
Yes, this expansion is part of our strategy to improve healthcare access in underserved locations and strengthen our presence in the competitive market through innovative, integrated care delivery models.
8. Why was this specific location selected?
CMC Health Plaza South was chosen due to its strategic position and existing healthcare infrastructure. The integration of emergency services with our current facilities will create a comprehensive healthcare destination for the growing population in South Horry County.
9. How will this benefit the local economy?
The project will create over 250 jobs from pre-construction, construction, and operational service to the community.
10. What makes this integrated facility unique in our market?
This will be the region’s first fully integrated medical plaza combining emergency services with ambulatory surgery, outpatient clinics, and shared imaging services. The shared imaging center will serve both emergency and outpatient needs, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The facility’s innovative design enables seamless coordination between services, enhancing both the patient and provider experience while maximizing operational efficiencies.
11. What is a free-standing emergency department, and how does this relate to our integrated model?
While the CMC Emergency Department-Socastee will be physically integrated with our CMC Health Plaza South campus, it is classified as a free-standing emergency department. This means it is a facility that provides emergency care services but is physically separate from a hospital campus. Free-standing emergency departments are equipped to handle the same types of emergencies as a hospital-based emergency room, offering 24/7 emergency care, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and the ability to stabilize and transfer patients when needed. Our innovative approach integrates this emergency care capability with existing outpatient services, creating a more efficient and comprehensive healthcare destination.
12. How will the new ED be staffed?
The facility will be staffed 24/7 by emergency physicians and nurses, with additional support staff to ensure comprehensive care delivery and seamless coordination with other services.

