Novant Health, Coastal Carolina Hospital Feasibility Study

Coastal Carolina Hospital, part of Novant Health, was experiencing increased pressure on its emergency department due to rapid community growth. The facility was undersized and unable to keep pace with patient demand, prompting the need for a strategic, data-informed evaluation to determine how best to expand.

Right-Sizing Emergency Care with Data, Compliance, and Best Practices

Our healthcare planning team conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to guide Coastal Carolina Hospital’s emergency department expansion. Using historical emergency department volume data, competitor insights, and advisory board analytics, we projected future service area volumes and how the facility could grow in response.

We analyzed Coastal Carolina Hospital’s compliance with current FGI, ADA, and MEP/FP guidelines. Next, we identified gaps using color-coded floor plans. This approach helped Novant Health effectively communicate funding needs to key stakeholders.

The team developed multiple expansion scenarios ranging from 17,000 to 23,000 SF, supported by conceptual block diagrams and space programming best practices. Each scenario considered impacts on operations, logistics, and phasing, allowing the hospital to weigh the benefits and constraints of each solution.

From Concept to Cost, Coastal Carolina Hospital Has a Strategic Plan for Expansion

Through a collaborative planning process, Novant Health selected an expansion scenario that aligned best with operational goals and site constraints.

To further support Coastal Carolina Hospital’s growth, we assisted with some site evaluations. These included vehicle flow, parking, and site utilization beyond the original emergency department scope.

The concept plans were refined for stakeholder presentation, including phasing and renovation versus new construction breakdowns. A cost estimator provided budget clarity, setting the stage for a well-informed capital decision.

For more examples of how we help healthcare facilities plan for growth and change, visit Prisma Health MACC Space Utilization Study and the MUSC Institute of Psychiatry.