McLeod Health is set to start construction of a new hospital this fall in response to the need for a hospital in the region.

The new facility will be located on McLeod Health Carolina Forest Campus in Horry County, South Carolina, US.

It is estimated to cost about $56m and will span about 82,613ft².

Pending approval, the four-storey structure will take about two years to finish.

It will feature 48 beds and four operating rooms. In addition, it will offer imaging, pharmacy, and lab services.

Apart from this new addition, there are three outpatient buildings on the campus for primary care, speciality care, and emergencies.

McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital CEO Monica Vehige said: “We have received a Certificate of Need from the State, as required, demonstrating the need for a hospital in this location.

“Pending permitting, the construction of this investment in the community’s health will take approximately 24 months.

“Over the past year, more than 110,000 patient visits have occurred at our Carolina Forest Campus.

“These are patients who have chosen McLeod Health for their healthcare, and we owe it to them to have a convenient choice for inpatient care.”

McLeod Health stated that there is a need for more hospital beds in the region according to federal and state data, and the US Census indicates that Horry County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.

Serving over a million people in the North and South Carolina border area, McLeod Health operates seven hospitals.