Earlier this month, Hilton Head Hospital received a CON to build an $18 million outpatient center in Bluffton, S.C., after having been denied by the DHEC in February. In March the DHEC said it would reconsider its decision and reversed its earlier ruling.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System both operate outpatient facilities in the Bluffton area. Each sent a letter to the DHEC claiming Hilton Head Hospital’s planned center would damage their business and is not needed, according to the report. St. Joseph’s/Candler also argues for voiding DHEC’s reversal as it was made after a 150-day deadline from Hilton Head Hospital’s CON request. In addition, St. Joseph’s/Candler says the DHEC board violated the state constitution by failing to allow hospital officials a “meaningful opportunity to be heard on the issues raised in this matter,” according to the report.
Hilton Head Hospital maintains the outpatient center will meet a need in the area and will add jobs and tax revenue for Bluffton.
More Articles on Hilton Head Hospital:
South Carolina to Reconsider CON Denial for Hilton Head Hospital Outpatient Center
South Carolina Reverses Hilton Head Hospital’s CON Denial
Hilton Head Hospital in South Carolina Settles Privacy Lawsuit
