Novant Health opens second free-standing ER in Bluffton

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) -Novant Health opened the doors to its second free-standing emergency department in Bluffton on Monday, as the Low Country community continues to see rapid population growth.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bluffton had approximately 12,000 residents in 2010. That number is estimated to exceed 36,000 in 2026.

“It’s an immediate response to the growth in residential units, residential homes here in Bluffton,” said Joel Taylor, market president for Novant Health Hilton Head.

Around-the-clock care, close to home

The new free-standing emergency department is located off U.S. 278 and will offer board-certified physician care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility is also equipped to perform CT and X-ray scans.

Taylor said the facility is designed to meet residents where they are. “That access to emergent care around the clock, that’s the focus,” he said. “It’s a response to people’s desire for care when they need it as quickly and as close as they need it.”

Relieving pressure on nearby facilities

The new ER is not a full-service trauma center, but Novant Health said it will help relieve pressure on nearby emergency facilities and has the ability to treat and stabilize serious cases.

Erica McEnery, medical director of emergency services and emergency physician at the facility, said proximity to care can directly affect patient outcomes.

“So having that access to care, not having to travel maybe in traffic or head an extra several minutes to another emergency department — being able to come here to an emergency department close to home is really going to help patient outcomes,” McEnery said.

McEnery added that the facility is intended to give residents confidence in local care. “Also gives us the ability to have people feel confident that local care is going to be here when they need it the most,” she said.