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Published on September 03, 2021

South Carolina National Guard on the way to assist Tidelands Health amid COVID-19 surge, unprecedented emergency department volume

Tidelands Health emergency departments are experiencing unprecedented demand amid the ongoing COVID-19 surge, prompting the health system to implement a multifaceted strategy to handle the influx while advising of extended wait times for patients who come to the ER with non-emergent needs.

Exterior view of the Emergency Department at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital.About a dozen members of the South Carolina National Guard will assist in the emergency departments and may also provide support for the health system’s monoclonal antibody clinic and temporary respiratory clinics. The National Guard has provided crucial support to Tidelands Health during previous COVID-19 surges.

“We again welcome the skilled and dedicated members of the National Guard to work alongside our team during this latest wave of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of nursing and operations at Tidelands Health. “We are extremely grateful for their partnership and willingness to help serve our community as we experience tremendous demand in our ERs and across our health system.”

In the past few weeks, Tidelands Health’s two ERs have been inundated with a surge of patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, all while continuing to care for patients with the normal array of illnesses and injuries. In addition, because both Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital are operating at more than 100 percent capacity, the emergency departments are serving as a holding area for patients who have been admitted but cannot move to an inpatient floor until a hospital room becomes available.

At one point this week, the Tidelands Waccamaw emergency department was holding 22 admitted patients, including nine critical-care patients, because there were no beds available.

Personnel, stretchers and medical equipment such as crash carts have been relocated from other areas of the hospitals to support the ERs. And Tidelands Health has opened three temporary respiratory clinics to provide care for patients with non-emergency respiratory symptoms.

“As we have throughout this pandemic, our team continues to rise to the challenge and serve our patients with care and compassion,” Capps said. “But we are asking our community to help us help you. Please get vaccinated, and please wear a mask to protect your health.

“If you do need medical care for any reason, please don’t wait. In an emergency, dial 911 or come to the closest emergency department. If you don’t require emergency care, please consider seeking treatment via one of our many non-emergency options.”

Community members who need medical care but who are not experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms have several options to receive timely treatment.

Respiratory clinics

Individuals 12 and older who are experiencing non-emergency respiratory symptoms can receive quick, convenient care at one of three temporary Tidelands Health respiratory clinics. Call 1-866-TIDELANDS to make an appointment. The clinics are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

  • Tidelands Health Family Medicine, 1075 N. Fraser St., Georgetown
  • Waccamaw Medical Park South (rear entrance), 4367 Riverwood Drive, Murrells Inlet
  • Tidelands Health Medical Park at The Market Common, 2200 Crow Lane, Myrtle Beach

Primary and pediatric care

As always, patients can seek care at Tidelands Health Family Medicine offices conveniently located across the region from Andrews through Murrells Inlet to Myrtle Beach. Tidelands Health Pediatrics provides care for children. Call 1-866-TIDELANDS, or visit tidelandshealth.org to find a location.

Virtual care

Tidelands Health, as the region’s MUSC Health affiliate, offers convenient access to MUSC Health Virtual Care. Individuals can get care for many common conditions online from a trusted MUSC Health provider. No appointment is needed. The online service is available 24/7 at tidelandshealth.org/get-care-now.

“We thank our community for your patience and understanding as we work to serve you,” Capps said. “Please know our team members are giving their all every single day in incredibly challenging conditions, and your support helps sustain them.

“As our community always does in times of crisis, we’ll get through this together.”

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.