FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To:      News Media 

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date:  October 17, 2023

Re:      MUSC Health-Orangeburg CEO Attends Bamberg County Council Meeting

Bamberg, South Carolina (October 2022) – On October 2, 2023, the Bamberg County Council welcomed MUSC Health-Orangeburg CEO Mr. Walter N. Bennett, III who provided an update on expansions, new hires, and changes to their campus. MUSC Health-Orangeburg is a regional healthcare system with a 286-bed acute care hospital and 22 medical practices. Their network includes seven primary care practices in Orangeburg, Calhoun, and Bamberg Counties, the Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center, a breast health center with mobile mammography capabilities, various specialty and outpatient practices, and five fitness centers. 

Mr. Bennett reported on MUSC Health-Orangeburg’s progress, noting they are expanding their medical and radiation program, have hired two oncologists and two podiatrists, and added a new cardiology program. While MUSC Health-Orangeburg no longer offers an express care practice, Bennett said when patients have orthopedic injuries, they can get quality care at their Orthopaedic Urgent Care facility in Orangeburg or visit the 24-hour Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center in Denmark, which he described as a “shining star” in the community. Mr. Bennett thanked County Administrator Joey Preston and Bamberg County Council for allowing him the opportunity to share such valuable and pertinent information.

Bamberg County Council Chairman Dr. Jonathan Goodman said, “Bamberg County is fortunate to have such a strong partnership with MUSC Health-Orangeburg and the ability to provide our citizens quality and accessible healthcare.”

Additionally, Vice Chairman Evert Comer said he was “especially grateful that Mr. Bennett took time out of his busy schedule to come to Bamberg.”

“While it was a sad day in the spring of 2012 when Bamberg Memorial Hospital closed, seven years later, we celebrated the opening of Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center, a 24-hour, free-standing facility. Without MUSC Health-Orangeburg, Bamberg County residents could still be forced to drive an hour to get emergency medical care. We are so grateful to Mr. Bennett for sharing the latest updates on the many services offered by MUSC Health-Orangeburg in our region,” County Administrator Joey Preston said.

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov. 

MUSC Health-Orangeburg CEO Attends Bamberg County Council Meeting