BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The newest Medical University of South Carolina outpatient facility in the Lowcountry celebrated its grand opening in Berkeley County on Wednesday.
The $2.2 million, 10,000 square foot facility is in the Carnes Crossroads community off Highway 17. The facility is something that patients seeking healthcare and living in the area have been anxiously awaiting.
“We think they are going to be able to provide enough services to provide good care for us. I don’t want to have to drive to Charleston to see my doctor,” said Linda Kernick. She and her husband Gerald both worked in the medical field, and they now live in a nearby retiree community.
“It’s all about growth in this area. We wanted to be part of the growth and bring better access to MUSC to residents of Summerville, Goose Creek,” Sarah Lynch, MUSC Business Development and Operations Manager, said. “We’re coming to them.”
Staff at the health center will provide Primary Care and Women’s Care, with capabilities for x-ray, sonogram, radiology, and phlebotomy. “This is very much like a one-stop shop,” Lynch said.
For some staff at the practice, this office means they can now work close to home. The facility has brought 16 jobs to the area for now. There is room to add more, says Lynch. There are currently five healthcare providers: two doctors providing primary care, one physician assistant, and two OB/GYNs.
Dr. Megann Helton-Rieter who is from Summerville and one of the OB/GYNs on staff, is excited for the opportunity to work at the new location. “There was such a need in the population for us,” she says. “We can bring all the benefits of a teaching hospital.” She says she will see patients for regular visits at the Carnes Crossroads location but says she will deliver for her expecting patients at MUSC Hospital.
Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler addressed the attendees of the grand opening ceremony. “To the entire MUSC team, thank you for your investment in Berkeley County,” he said. “It provides greater healthcare to the rest of us.”
Representatives from MUSC, doctors and other staff at the facility, patients or soon-to-be patients, and local government officials attended the event.
In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, the providers will also have time allotted in their daily schedules to see patients with urgent care matters.
“I’ve got my application already filled out. I’m ready to be here,” said soon-to-be patient Linda Kernick.
