Piedmont Medical Center opens freestanding emergency department in Indian Land, officials say it will improve access

Piedmont Medical Center representatives briefed Lancaster County Council on the new freestanding emergency department in the Parkstone development on Highway 521 in Indian Land.

Chris Mitchell, CEO of Piedmont Medical Center
3 Fort Mill, said the facility is physician-staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will accept walk-ins and EMS transports. "We are not an urgent care," Mitchell said, adding the site will have CT, X-ray, lab services and two trauma rooms to handle higher-acuity patients before transfer if needed. The presentation noted a certificate of occupancy had been issued.

Mitchell framed the project as a response to local care gaps: shorter travel times for urgent conditions, local jobs and added tax base. He emphasized EMS integration and a dedicated EMS entrance and lounge so medics can hand patients directly to a physician team. Piedmont said it would coordinate with nearby hospitals for inpatient admissions and complex care.

Council members did not raise objections during the presentation and offered thanks for the investment and local jobs. The item concluded with a brief Q&A and no formal action required.

What happens next: The facility is slated to begin serving patients this month; county staff and emergency services will coordinate on EMS routing and interfacility transfer procedures.