<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1YsnIb_1CWwqL7j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1YsnIb_1CWwqL7j00" width="1200" height="675" >Novant Health officials recognized the population growth in Jasper County, stating they are ready for the growth with new facilities in the areaPreparation for future growth is key.Local hospital officials knew this was important even before Jasper County was recently named the fastest growing county in the United States by growth percentage.Jasper County’s population saw a significant increase, according to Census numbers, from 36,338 residents in 2024 to 38,533 in 2025. The numbers reveal a 6 percent increase from July 1, 2024 until July 1, 2025. The second largest growth percentage, in comparison, was for two counties in Texas which saw a 5.7 percent growth in population during the same time period.The Census Bureau also linked the growth to domestic migration, meaning more people are moving into the county from other states than there are leaving.Following the acquisition of Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville by Novant Health in 2024, hospital officials said they have seen an increased demand for healthcare services, including surgeries and outpatient visits.“The population growth in Jasper County and surrounding communities continues to drive a strong need for emergency care, primary care, specialty services and outpatient care,” said Matt Conrad, President, Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center. “Becoming part of Novant Health has helped us invest in expanded access to care, support provider recruitment and strengthen long-term planning for the healthcare needs of this rapidly growing region.”While there had not been any upcoming housing developments around Coastal Carolina Hospital when Novant purchased it, the area has grown by leaps and bounds with a nearby development, Point Grand Hardeeville. The new apartment complex will have 216 units in the complex. It is one of many new housing developments and businesses planned around the hospital and the area surrounding Exit 8 off Interstate 95. “Growth in Jasper County and the surrounding region absolutely factors into our long-term planning,” Conrad said. “As more families and retirees move to the area, the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare close to home continues to increase. We are constantly evaluating community needs, patient volumes, workforce needs and future service expansion opportunities to ensure we can continue meeting demand both now and in the future.”Conrad said Novant’s focus is not only on caring for its current patients, but also preparing for the future growth they know is coming to the Lowcountry.“Healthcare infrastructure must grow alongside residential and commercial development, and we see ourselves as an important partner in supporting the region’s overall health and quality of life,” Conrad said.<h2>Supporting Jasper County and lowcountry residents</h2>As the population continues to increase in Jasper County, so too does the need for more healthcare services closer to home, Conrad said.“As the community grows, patients want convenient access to healthcare without having to travel long distances for routine or specialized care,” he said. “Our goal is to grow thoughtfully alongside the community and ensure patients have access to a connected network of care close to home.”While some of the services offered by Novant extend beyond the Jasper County line, the providers see patients from the entire Lowcountry, according to hospital officials.Recent investments and expansions into Beaufort County connected to Novant include Novant Health Buckwalter Place Medical Park in Bluffton, which is launching with a primary care clinic and orthopedics and sports medicine. An on-site imaging center is expected to open later this summer, officials said, offering mammography, X-ray, CT scan and MRI. Novant Health’s new Washington Square medical office building and emergency department will also open in Bluffton this summer.Novant Health also recently welcomed the first full time electrophysiologist in the region, Mark Liwanag, DO, who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. Christopher Wixon, MD, also brings two decades of Lowcountry experience to the new Novant Health Heart &amp; Vascular clinic in Bluffton which opened in March.Some others on the Novant team include Michael Gilbreath, MD, who is the lead clinician at Novant Health Gastroenterology in Hardeeville. Dr. Gilbreath provides on-site diagnostic testing and treatment for common and complex digestive conditions.“Novant Health is committed to expanding primary care access with new clinics and clinicians throughout the Lowcountry,” Conrad said.<h2>Future investments at Coastal Carolina Hospital</h2>At Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Conrad said plans are underway for additional investments, including a new operating room and renovations to the emergency department.“Investments in advanced technology and programs to meet the needs and expectations of our growing community include: Aquablation, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical procedure for enlarged prostate treatments, Mako 3, robotic-assisted orthopedic procedures such as joint replacement, and a Da Vinci robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery,” Conrad said.While the population growth is overall good in terms of benefits for Jasper County, Novant Health was focusing less about the benefits and more on how the hospital can serve the rapidly-growing community in meaningful ways, Conrad said.“As the population grows, so does the need for healthcare services, physicians, nurses and medical facilities, and it creates an opportunity for us to invest in the community through expanded access, new services, job creation and long-term healthcare infrastructure,” he said. “Ultimately, our role is to help ensure the region’s healthcare system grows alongside the population so residents can continue receiving remarkable healthcare close to home.”</div></body>

Block Source: blufftontoday.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

Novant Health officials recognized the population growth in Jasper County, stating they are ready for the growth with new facilities in the area. Preparation for future growth is key. Local hospital officials knew this was important even before Jasper County was recently named the fastest growing county in the United...

Hospital prepared for Jasper County's growth

NewsBreak

Novant Health officials recognized the population growth in Jasper County, stating they are ready for the growth with new facilities in the area. Preparati

Hospital prepared for Jasper County's growth

Comments / 2