From staff reports
Beaufort Memorial (BMH) has received $1 million in funds from the State of South Carolina Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act Bill for two innovative workforce development programs.
The funds were approved through a budget amendment by City of Beaufort last week and will be divided equally between the hospital’s Nursing Workforce Development and People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) programs.
“These funds will allow us to begin construction on the new nursing education center immediately and will support the career growth and development of hundreds of current and future employees at Beaufort Memorial,” BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley, MHA, said in a news release. “Ultimately, these programs are an investment in the health of our communities and directly support our mission to enhance the quality of life in the Lowcountry through improved health, innovative partnerships and superior care.”
Planning for the new nursing education center began in late 2021 amid growing concerns about nursing shortages following the pandemic. In 2022 Beaufort County provided $500,000 in funds toward its construction and the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) provided an additional $500,000.
Last year City Council approved an amendment to its budget, allocating $1.5 million to healthcare workforce development programs and simulation labs in the new education center. The city received funding through a grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for a nursing expansion and retention program. The latest installment from the city fully funds the construction project, which will begin this week and is expected to be completed this fall.
“Developing the healthcare workforce is a crucial aspect of the quality of life for the City of Beaufort and the entire region,” Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said. “We appreciate being a partner in this process.”
The nursing education center will provide a dedicated learning space with access to medical equipment, technology and training for future and current healthcare professionals, including nursing students enrolled at USCB and in the Beaufort Memorial PATH Program. Simulation labs will also be used by current nurses for continuing education on clinical competencies. The 6,340 square-foot facility will be located on the second floor of the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center at 990 Ribaut Road.
The PATH Program is a joint venture funded by the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation and Beaufort County. In the summer of 2022, the county initially contributed $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to develop the program. Of the $1 million received this month, $500,000 will provide scholarships, clinical training, traditional education, and even non-traditional financial assistance to encourage and incentivize individuals to advance their careers and support a better healthcare network.
The Beaufort Memorial PATH Program has been showcased as an innovative example of workforce development by the South Carolina Hospital Association. The fully committed collaboration between Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort County, the City of Beaufort, USCB, and Beaufort County School District, has made the PATH Program effort a success.
