Thank you to our patients and caregivers
Through the decades, visionary leaders have expanded services, added technology and helped make advanced care at Tidelands Health a reality.
In 2004, what is now known as the Tidelands Health Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center opened in Georgetown.
“I’m proud of the naming of the cancer center after Daddy because he, Bubber Ferdon [who served on the board for 35 years] and other board members had worked so hard so that people with cancer would not have to drive 60 miles to have radiation or chemotherapy,” said Francis "Jeepy" Ford Jr., a member of our board of trustees whose family has been involved with the health system since its start.
Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center
In 2001, our health system began collaborating with MUSC Health to expand cancer care in our community. That initial relationship continues to evolve as our two health systems work together to provide expanded clinical services to the community. Through our collaboation with MUSC Health, we’ve expanded care in numerous areas, including vascular surgery, neurosciences, cardiology and more.
“The whole idea from 2001 to today is how do we work with MUSC Health to bring clinical care to this community so you don’t have to travel to Charleston,” said Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health.
In 2023, we again raised the bar by becoming the first full member of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Network, offering an integrated approach and enhanced connectivity to MUSC’s research and education expertise. This year, Hollings Cancer Network expanded specialized oncology services to Murrells Inlet through our relationship.
Advanced technology and the successful recruitment of skilled physicians has led to ongoing expansion of services so patients can receive care close to home. In the past year, we’ve added urology and rheumatology physician practices and created a comprehensive weight-loss program..
"From the staff and administration, there was an excitement about being able to build that program and offer that service to patients in this area,” said Dr. Oluwaseun Omofoye, a neurosurgeon who joined the health system in 2021 to grow a neurosurgery program. “Being able to deliver high-level care and having that collaborative relationship with MUSC Health, it’s helpful because you are able to have patients close to home where they have the family support they need. It’s really valuable for patients in terms of their recovery.
“Patients are generally very grateful for the great care they are able to receive but also the compassionate way in which it’s delivered.”
Our health system continues to provide award-winning care that meets or exceeds high-quality state and national standards. In the past year, Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital earned multiple Zero Harm awards for patient safety from the South Carolina Hospital Association, recognition for providing high-quality stroke care and treatment and accolades as high-performing in specific procedures and treatment of certain conditions from U.S. News & World Report. Tidelands Health Cardiology has also been honored for two decades of nuclear medicine accreditation.
“It’s about health care for our community,” said Julian Reynolds Jr., who has served on the health system board of trustees for nearly 50 years. “I’m proud of this hospital and this accomplishment, and I’m proud of anything that I had to do to help it. It’s about what’s best for people.”
