Beaufort Memorial honored with Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce ‘Legacy Award’ for healthcare leadership and innovation

UPDATE: MARCH 2025
On March 24, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) approved Beaufort Memorial’s Certificate of Need (CON) to add 28 inpatient beds to the planned medical campus in Bluffton. 
This approval has allowed the project to transition from the Bluffton Community Medical Campus (BCMC) to the Bluffton Community Hospital (BCH). 

 

In recognition of Beaufort Memorial’s commitment to innovation and exceptional patient care, the nonprofit hospital took home the first ever “Legacy Award” at the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Golden Oyster Awards gala on March 29. 

The Golden Oyster Awards, presented this year by Coastal States Bank, honor local businesses, individuals and leaders who have made a significant impact on the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and the community. Award recipients this year were selected from submitted nominations and chosen by Chamber of Commerce professionals from across the nation.

The Golden Oyster Awards added a new category this year, the “Legacy Award,” to recognize businesses, individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation and community impact for 10 consecutive years or more. The finalists were noted to have not only stood the test of time but have also left a lasting imprint on the community through their leadership, service, and dedication.

Other finalists for the Legacy Award included CAV Integrated Home and MiraSol Health. 

Beaufort Memorial’s nomination read that the organization has been a trusted healthcare provider in Bluffton since 2006 and has continually expanded to meet the region’s growing and evolving needs. 

That expansion is continuing in a huge way, with the Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Community Medical Campus currently under construction at the corner of Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkways. This facility will allow Beaufort Memorial to provide emergency services and outpatient surgical procedures, as well as related services that support emergency medical care (imaging, lab, pathology, trauma), as well bring 28 inpatient beds to the booming southern Beaufort County area.

“Beaufort Memorial Hospital is deeply committed to community outreach and engagement, working tirelessly since 2006 to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across Bluffton and the surrounding areas,” the nomination read. “Through a variety of initiatives, such as health education programs, free screenings and wellness events, the hospital plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy lifestyles and providing access to crucial healthcare services.” 

The nomination also cited Beaufort Memorial’s dedication to workforce development through the People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) program and the hospital’s Rising Star Youth Volunteer program for high school students interested in healthcare careers and hands-on experience. 

“Beaufort Memorial has always been focused on adapting to the evolving needs of our region, and our commitment to expanding care in Bluffton and throughout the Lowcountry shows that we are taking action to meet those needs,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “We are proud to be healthcare leaders in Bluffton and thrilled to be honored with a Legacy Award.” 

The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce held their awards gala – a night of fine dining, cocktails and dancing – on Saturday, March 29 in Sun City, where Baxley accepted the honor.

Read more about Beaufort Memorial’s commitment to expanding healthcare throughout Bluffton and the Lowcountry.