Region’s health systems stand together to appeal for community’s support in COVID-19 fight

July 31, 2020
 
Contact:
Allyson Floyd                                    Katie Maclay                
Conway Medical Center                   Grand Strand Health
(843) 254-2192                               (843) 692-1053                                       
allyson.floyd@cmc-sc.com              Katherine.maclay@hcahealthcare.com             
Jumana Swindler                             Dawn Bryant                         
McLeod Health                                 Tidelands Health
(843) 777-5047                               (843) 652-1636
jswindler@mcleodhealth.org          dbryant@tidelandshealth.org
 
                                                         
News for Immediate Release: Region’s health systems stand together to appeal for community’s support in COVID-19 fight
Leaders from the region’s four health systems gathered Friday with an urgent appeal to the community: “We’re standing together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Stand with us.”
Bret Barr, president and CEO of Conway Medical Center, Mark Sims, CEO of Grand Strand Health, Monica Vehige, administrator of McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital, and Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health, participated in a virtual media conference to provide an update on the region’s COVID-19 response. They were joined by Dr. Gerald Harmon, vice president of medical affairs at Tidelands Health and president-elect of the American Medical Association.
“We, the health care systems that proudly serve our communities, stand united in response to the COVID-19 crisis,” the four organizations said in an open letter to the community. “And, as we stand together, we ask you to stand with us.
“The thousands of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who have cared for your families in sickness and in health now find ourselves in a fight that we need your help to win. Please, for the health and safety of our region, wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings, observe social distancing, and wash your hands. These simple steps, when taken by all of us, will slow the spread of COVID-19.”
In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have increased rapidly in the region, with more than 5,000 new cases diagnosed in Georgetown and Horry counties since July 1. All of the region’s hospitals are at or near capacity in their emergency departments, intensive care units and inpatient care units.
The health systems are encouraging area residents and visitors to help slow the spread of the virus by taking appropriate precautions. Beginning this weekend, the organizations will launch united COVID-19 messaging via a number of platforms, including a public service announcement airing on local television stations, educational billboards and appeals via digital and social channels.
The full text of “An Open Letter to Our Communities” is attached.
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About Conway Medical Center
Conway Medical Center is defined by its historical ability to consistently meet the healthcare needs of Horry County. The nonprofit medical center was established in 1928 as Horry County’s first hospital and has 210 inpatient beds, an Outpatient Diagnostic Center, and a multi-specialty group of 23 physician offices affiliated with the hospital located both on-site at the hospital and throughout Horry County. CMC’s outstanding medical staff includes over 300 physicians representing 35 specialties. Serving patients with care and compassion, their award-winning team of medical professionals utilizes high-tech equipment and modalities. For more information, please visit www.ConwayMedicalCenter.com. 
 
About Grand Strand Health
Grand Strand Health is a multi-facility health system located on the coast of the Grand Strand community. Grand Strand Health is comprised of one 371-bed acute care hospital, Grand Strand Medical Center, two freestanding ER facilities (South Stand Medical Center and North Strand ER) and outpatient medical services. Grand Strand Medical Center is a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. Affiliated with Grand Strand Health are a number of physician practices that provide heart and vascular care, spine and neuro care, surgical care, orthopedic care, breast care, plastic surgery, pediatric specialty care and primary care. In 2015, Grand Strand Medical Center became a teaching hospital and has expanded its residency programs to six: Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Transitional Year. These quality-focused services work together to provide excellence in medical care to residents in our communities.
 
About McLeod Health
Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not for profit organization supported by the strength of approximately 750 members on its medical staff and more than 2,700 licensed nurses (RNs, CRNAs, NPs, APRNs, LPNs). McLeod Health is also composed of approximately 8,800 employees and more than 75 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. With seven hospitals, McLeod Health operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, a Behavioral Health Center, Hospice, and Home Health Services. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Darlington, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw and McLeod Health Clarendon. On the coast, the McLeod Health Carolina Forest complex has opened the first two of seven medical park office buildings as an extension of McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital. The organization also recently opened the new McLeod Health Carolina Forest Emergency Department. The only Emergency Department in Carolina Forest, the 13,000 square-foot department, which is open 24/7, offers streamlined services, including 15 spacious exam rooms and state-of-the-art trauma facilities with advanced diagnostic equipment.
 
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners are working side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.