New $9.5M Medical Facility to Transform Health Care Access in Rural Woodruff

WOODRUFF — A significant development is on the horizon for the rural community of Woodruff, South Carolina, as a $9.5 million family medicine center is set to be constructed over the next year. The facility, spanning 18,000 square feet, will be located at 101 Navarro Drive off Highway 101 and will become part of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. This initiative aims to address the health care needs of a rapidly growing population, fueled by new industry and housing developments in the area.

The new medical center will enhance the existing services provided by the Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Woodruff, offering expanded facilities with 30 patient exam rooms, 10 provider offices, and advanced lab and digital imaging capabilities. The center will also feature a spacious lobby and waiting area, designed to accommodate the increasing demand from one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.

Addressing Health Care Needs in a Growing Community

The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility took place on July 1, marking the beginning of a project that promises to significantly improve local health care access. Sara Beth Hammond, vice president of the Medical Group of the Carolinas, the hospital’s physician network, emphasized the importance of the new center, stating that 15 to 20 doctors will initially staff the facility. This marks a substantial increase from the current three physicians, with an additional doctor set to join in August.

The strategic location of the new site, less than a mile from BMW Group’s high-voltage battery assembly plant on state Highway 101, underscores the anticipated growth and development in the region. The original family medicine facility opened in Woodruff in 2004 and moved to its current location in 2007, illustrating a long-standing commitment to the community.

Expert Insights and Community Impact

Dr. James Gragg, a physician practicing in Woodruff since 1998, highlighted the critical need for enhanced health care services in rural areas.

“In rural areas, the biggest barrier to getting health care is travel,” Gragg explained. “People have to travel 25 miles to see a specialist like me. The new facility will make it easier for them, and they won’t have to travel as far. We are so excited to see a new facility coming.”

Dr. Gragg’s observations reflect a broader trend of increasing demand for medical services in Woodruff, where he now sees up to four patients a day, compared to just two a week when he first started. The area’s population is expected to double over the next five years, with nearly 6,000 new homes planned for construction, further underscoring the necessity of the new medical center.

A Vision for the Future

Woodruff Mayor Kenneth Gist expressed optimism about the new facility, viewing it as a cornerstone for the community’s future.

“We welcome this new health care facility to our community,” Gist said. “This is more than just a building. It’s an investment in our community and the promise of care for generations to come.”

The new medical center represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Woodruff’s residents, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges of providing health care in rural areas. The facility’s potential for future expansion ensures it can continue to meet the needs of a growing population, promising improved access to essential health services.

As construction begins, the community looks forward to the completion of a project that will not only enhance health care access but also support the broader economic and social development of Woodruff.

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