(September 4, 2025) MUSC Health and Tidelands Health move closer to finalizing expanded partnership

(MURRELLS INLET & CHARLESTON, S.C.) Sept. 4, 2025 - The Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) and Tidelands Health have reached another key milestone in their journey to deepen their partnership and expand health care access across the Tidelands region. Following approvals by the Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC) and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA) in August, both Tidelands Health and MUHA have now received formal approvals from their respective Boards of Trustees.

With these critical steps completed, the parties anticipate a closing date in the fall.

"This marks a pivotal moment for our health system and the communities we serve," said Bruce Bailey, CEO of Tidelands Health. "With board approvals secured, we are one step closer to realizing a transformative partnership that will expand access to care, enhance services and improve health outcomes across Georgetown and Horry counties."

The expanded relationship will position MUHA to acquire a majority membership interest in Tidelands Health, enabling deeper integration of services, technologies and clinical expertise. The partnership builds on more than 25 years of collaboration between the two organizations. It reflects a shared vision to deliver high-quality, accessible care to communities across South Carolina.

"MUSC Health is proud to continue advancing health care through meaningful partnerships," said Dr. Patrick J. Cawley, CEO of MUSC Health and executive vice president for Health Affairs, University. "With state and board approvals now complete, we are focused on finalizing the agreement and preparing for a seamless transition that will benefit patients, providers and the local communities."

The expanded partnership will maintain Tidelands Health as a community-led health system with local governance representation and continued employment for current staff. Patients will continue to receive uninterrupted care from their trusted providers, with enhanced access to advanced treatments and technologies through MUSC Health's statewide network.

Plans remain underway to develop Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Hospital, new emergency and urgent care centers and expanded recruitment of physicians and specialists to serve the region.

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About Tidelands Health

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.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state's only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,300 students in six colleges and trains more than 1,000 residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 11th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit MUSCHealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $8.2 billion. The 33,800+ MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research and patient care.