Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital opened its new Heart & Vascular Center marking another major milestone in the hospital’s ongoing expansion that will ultimately double its size and capacity.
The 20,000-square-foot center in the hospital’s medical office building brings a full suite of cardiovascular services together under one roof, offering patients in Berkeley County and the surrounding region access to high-quality care closer to home. For the first time on the Berkeley Hospital campus, patients will have access to cardiac rehabilitation, advanced cardiac imaging (echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, vascular studies and coronary computed tomography angiogram) and an outpatient cardiology clinic space — all on a single floor for a more seamless experience.
“This is a dream fulfilled,” said Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services Dr. William B. Ellison, who has been with Roper St. Francis Healthcare since 1984. “Years ago, we recognized the need for greater access to these services in Berkeley County. Bringing state-of-the-art equipment, along with our renowned specialists, will truly make a difference in this community.”
Roper Hospital is home to the country’s oldest continuously operating vascular lab and has played a critical role in developing vascular tests and treatments for more than 80 years. The system is also known for surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive procedures for heart and vascular conditions. Introducing the Heart & Vascular Center at Berkeley Hospital reflects the growing demand for cardiac services in one of the system’s busiest regions.
“Cardiovascular care is one of the most vital service lines we offer as a system,” said Patrick Bosse, chief administrative officer of Berkeley Hospital. “Centralizing these services enhances the patient experience and ensures our neighbors have access to the very best care, right here at home.”
The Heart & Vascular Center features cutting-edge technology, including a new computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) scanner. The upgraded machine captures detailed 3D pictures of the heart in less than a second, providing physicians with faster, clearer images for more precise diagnoses.
“This new technology delivers higher-quality images than we’ve ever had, providing faster answers and more accurate care for our patients,” Dr. Ellison explained.
There also are plans to introduce PET-CT stress testing at the center, which would be a first for the system, Dr. Ellison said.
The center’s opening comes on the heels of several recent campus improvements, including a larger laboratory, an expanded pharmacy and an upgraded imaging suite — all housed in the hospital’s new annex wing, which has also supported growth in surgical and emergency services. In addition, wound care services have been introduced, and a refreshed main lobby opened in July. Altogether, this broader expansion is doubling the hospital’s acute-care capacity from 50 to 100 beds and adding 200,000 square feet of new or renovated space to the existing 116,000-square-foot facility.
Since opening in 2019 as Berkeley County’s first full-service hospital in more than four decades, Berkeley Hospital has seen tremendous demand. The expansion is designed to meet the needs of the fast-growing community while aligning with Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s 2030 Strategic Plan to optimize the system’s footprint and expand access to care.
Bosse praised the teamwork that made the new center possible. “So many of our teammates — from imaging and cardiac rehab to our outpatient clinics — worked tirelessly to prepare for this transition. Their dedication helped bring new services to the campus, and ultimately, that benefits our patients most of all.”
The Heart & Vascular Center is the latest sign of momentum as Berkeley Hospital builds toward its future, with a new bed tower slated to open in November.