The University of South Carolina is set to construct a state-of-the-art hospital that will provide exceptional care and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from strokes, dementia, and other conditions impacting the brain and nervous system. This specialized facility aims to offer world-class treatment to patients in need.
The university board unanimously approved an agreement on Friday, marking the first step in a $350 million project. The initial funding, which amounts to $10 million, will be provided by the state’s Medicaid agency. This funding will be allocated towards preliminary architecture and engineering work.
University officials are seeking $150 million in the upcoming state budget to establish South Carolina’s inaugural specialized neurological hospital. The source of the remaining $190 million remains uncertain.
USC officials are excited about the future hospital, which they proudly describe as the first of its kind in the entire Southeast.
The plans include the provision of 112 to 140 beds to offer patients advanced treatments for neurological and neurosurgery conditions. Additionally, the facility will provide rehabilitation services for trauma, stroke, cancer, epilepsy, and other chronic illnesses.
According to Derek Gruner, the university’s architect, the size of the building will be approximately 250,000 to 300,000 square feet, as mentioned during the finance committee meeting.
The new facility will be constructed adjacent to USC’s upcoming $300 million School of Medicine, located in downtown Columbia’s BullStreet District.
The Legislature allocated $200 million for the project, enabling USC to construct the medical campus without the need for borrowing.
USC building $30M brain health center for Alzheimer’s, dementia treatment
USC is currently working on the development of the Brain Health Center, a state-of-the-art outpatient treatment and research facility. With an estimated cost of $30 million, this center is set to open its doors in the fall of 2025.
USC President Michael Amiridis emphasized the importance of creating a central facility for neurological treatment and rehabilitation as part of the university’s commitment to delivering top-notch medical education and meeting South Carolina’s healthcare demands. He sees this endeavor as an essential milestone in bridging the gap in brain-related healthcare services, not just within the state but also across the entire Southeast region.
USC officials highlight the demand for neurological care in the state, citing relevant statistics.
In 2022, strokes ranked as the fifth leading cause of death in South Carolina, resulting in the loss of 3,100 lives due to disrupted blood flow to the brain. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease claimed the lives of 2,429 individuals in the state, positioning it as the seventh highest cause of death. These statistics are based on the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with heart disease remaining the leading cause of death overall.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that by next year, around 120,000 individuals in South Carolina will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Patients and their families in South Carolina often have limited options for neurological treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in the need to travel to other states for care, as stated by USC.
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According to a news release, the proposed USC hospital aims to provide top-notch medical care within South Carolina, offering world-class treatment options to patients while also lowering costs.
According to Thad Westbrook, the chairman of USC’s board, the hospital is considered to be the most significant project in the university’s history. He believes that it will greatly improve the quality of life for the people of South Carolina.
In a statement, he emphasized the importance of providing our citizens with top-notch healthcare services right in their own communities.
Amid a joint effort by all three of South Carolina’s research universities, there has been an announcement made to enhance the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
In September 2023, USC, Clemson, and the Medical University of South Carolina made a significant announcement by forming a federally recognized Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
