5 Things to Know About the New $300M Hospital on Indian Land

Location and Development of the Indian Land Medical Complex

The construction of a $300 million medical complex in Indian Land marks a significant milestone for the region, bringing its first hospital to the area. The groundbreaking event was attended by approximately 100 civic leaders and MUSC Health professionals, who celebrated the start of this ambitious project. This new hospital is set to offer advanced care that has not been available in the panhandle area before.

The hospital will be located at 9258 Charlotte Hwy, just south of Marvin Road and north of the upcoming locations of Lowes Foods, Target, and Costco. It will be situated 2 miles south of the North Carolina state line, on an 84-acre property acquired from the Griffin family in 2020. Construction has already cleared 28 acres, with the remaining land left untouched. The site will be leveled to accommodate the hospital along Charlotte Highway.

This location is strategically chosen as it lies in one of the fastest-growing areas of the country, making it an ideal spot for a new healthcare facility. According to MUSC President David Cole, “The best care is local,” emphasizing the importance of having quality healthcare services close to home.

Features of the New Hospital

The Indian Land hospital will span 150,000 square feet and will provide a wide range of medical services. These include surgeries such as kidney transplants, advanced cardiology care, an emergency department, a women’s center offering delivery and maternity services, robotic-assisted procedures, and comprehensive cancer services. Additionally, the hospital will be part of a research system, allowing for clinical trials and other research activities.

Adjacent to the hospital, a 62,000-square-foot medical office building will house specialty services. MUSC Health is currently in discussions with local physicians to determine the specific services that will be offered there. Cole expressed that the medical office building is a starting point, anticipating future additions as the community continues to grow.

Timeline and Growth Considerations

The medical office building is expected to complete construction by late next year, with patient access beginning in early 2027. The hospital itself is scheduled to finish construction by late 2027, with an opening planned for early 2028. Cole emphasized the urgency of addressing healthcare needs, stating, “Our obligation is to change the future of healthcare, in partnership with communities, as quickly as we can.”

The decision to build the hospital in Indian Land is driven by the rapid population growth in the area. As of mid-2023, the panhandle had a population of 43,048 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure. Broome noted that the campus represents the future of medicine, built from one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

Other healthcare providers, such as Piedmont Medical Center and Atrium Health, have also recognized the growing demand in Indian Land. Piedmont Medical Center recently announced plans for a freestanding emergency department in the area, while Atrium Health serves patients in the nearby Charlotte market.

Community Impact and Healthcare Access

One of the primary motivations for establishing the hospital in Indian Land is to ensure that residents do not have to cross state lines for medical care. Broome highlighted that 91% of Indian Land residents previously sought medical treatment outside of South Carolina. “Indian Land grew so quickly that the infrastructure, including health infrastructure, just didn’t keep up,” he said.

The hospital’s focus on providing high-quality care locally aligns with MUSC Health’s mission to serve South Carolinians. Terri Barnes, a member of the MUSC Board of Trustees, emphasized that “South Carolina should take care of South Carolinians.” This commitment to local healthcare is further supported by the hospital’s integration with MUSC Health’s research capabilities, which ensures access to the latest medical advancements.

Innovation and Future Prospects

The Indian Land hospital will offer unique services such as full-spectrum cancer care and advanced cardiology, which are uncommon in smaller suburban facilities. The hospital’s connection to MUSC Health also means that it will be equipped to provide cutting-edge treatments as they become available.

Additionally, the Catawba Division of MUSC Health has launched a new residency program, aiming to train eight internal medicine physicians annually in Lancaster County. This initiative could expand to other specialties in the future, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

Cole noted that the healthcare industry is facing shortages across all levels, from nurses to physicians. “We’re going to be getting into crisis mode across the nation soon,” he said. “One of the assets that we bring is education.”

As the Indian Land hospital moves forward, it represents a significant step toward improving healthcare access and quality in one of the fastest-growing regions of the state. The project is not only about meeting current needs but also about shaping the future of healthcare in South Carolina.