BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — As Berkeley County continues to rank among the fastest‑growing regions in South Carolina, local leaders and healthcare officials gathered Tuesday to break ground on a new freestanding emergency room designed to bring lifesaving care closer to thousands of families.
HCA Healthcare Cane Bay ER — a $15 million, 10,000‑square‑foot facility — will rise at 1866 State Road in Summerville, serving Cane Bay, Nexton, Del Webb, Carnes Crossroads, and surrounding communities. The project marks one of the most significant healthcare investments in the area in recent years, with the facility expected to open in spring 2027.
“As our communities continue to grow, expanding access to emergency care remains one of our highest priorities,” said Jeff Wilson, President of HCA Healthcare Charleston and CEO of HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital. “When we began planning for this freestanding ER, we knew this community deserved emergency care that is close, dependable, and built with its future in mind.”
County officials, EMS partners, and community leaders joined HCA Healthcare representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony, held Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the future ER site.
Wilson said the project reflects years of listening to residents, first responders, and physicians across Berkeley County.
“This project is about more than constructing a building,” he said. “It’s about strengthening access to life‑saving care, supporting the long‑term health of this community, and providing peace of mind to families who want to know expert emergency care is nearby when every minute matters.”
A Boost for EMS and Faster Response Times
The new ER is expected to significantly reduce ambulance transport times — a growing concern as development pushes farther from existing hospitals.
County Supervisor Johnny Cribb said the facility will be a critical addition to the region’s emergency response network.
“The farther we have to go to get someone to the care that they need — and the quicker we can get back in our zone ready for the next call — that is critically important,” Cribb said.
Berkeley County EMS Chief Michael Shirey echoed that message, calling the ER a major step forward for the county’s emergency infrastructure.
“This new freestanding ER will support our first responders, improve patient access to immediate care and help ensure patients receive the right kind of treatment as soon as possible,” Shirey said.
What the Facility Will Offer
Once complete, HCA Healthcare Cane Bay ER will include:
- 10 patient exam rooms
- Dedicated triage room
- Advanced imaging (CT and X‑ray)
- Laboratory services
- Telemedicine capabilities for stroke and behavioral health
- 24/7 staffing by board‑certified emergency physicians and specially trained clinicians
Dr. Neal Shelley, ER Medical Director for the new facility, said the most important benefit is simple: proximity.
“In an emergency, minutes matter,” Shelley said. “This ER will give families in Cane Bay and surrounding communities immediate access to high‑quality emergency care right where they live.”
A Region Preparing for Its Future
With thousands of new homes, expanding schools, and booming commercial development, Cane Bay and its neighboring communities have long pushed for closer medical resources. Officials say Tuesday’s groundbreaking is a major milestone in meeting that need.
Construction is now underway, with the facility expected to open its doors in 2027.
