US-based healthcare services provider Novant Health has announced a significant expansion with the construction of a new full-service hospital campus in Bluffton, South Carolina.

The establishment of the new hospital is part of Novant Health’s strategy to meet the long-term healthcare needs of the local community in the Lowcountry region.

The Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center will initially feature 50 beds, with plans to double the capacity as demand grows.

In addition, the facility will offer a range of services, including medical, surgical, emergency, and trauma care, as well as labour and delivery, intensive care, and cardiology, neurology, and orthopaedics specialities.

Novant Health plans to file regulatory approval documents for the project in the upcoming weeks.

In addition to the community hospital, the healthcare services provider plans to establish several outpatient campuses in Bluffton.

The outpatient facilities will include a new free-standing emergency department and surgery centres, as well as centres for imaging services, urgent care, primary care, and speciality care.

This expansion in the Bluffton area will create an estimated 1,000 new jobs in the region.

Novant Health looks to hire at least 20 new primary care providers and specialists to support a wide array of outpatient care options that will be offered in the region.

The development follows Novant Health's acquisition of East Cooper Medical Center, Hilton Head Hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital, and 27 associated physician clinics in February this year.

Novant Health South Carolina region president Jason Bernd said: “Novant Health is committed to taking bold steps to create a healthier future for the communities we serve. This integrative approach will limit the needs for residents to travel outside the area for care by offering a medical hub that provides patients comprehensive health care services.”     

“With this expansion comes significant economic benefit too, including as many as 1,000 jobs for Bluffton over the next five years.”     

In June this year, Novant Health abandoned its previously announced $320m deal to acquire two hospitals in North Carolina.