North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
The staff at Loris Hospital celebrated the opening of the new hospital in Loris with Dr. W. K. Rogers bringing in the first patient prior to their official opening in 1950.
By Kaye Collins
As McLeod Health continues to transform the healthcare landscape for patients living in Horry County, one hospital celebrates a significant milestone in 2025. Representing both a tradition of proving superlative care and a future of growth and expansion, this would not have been possible without local people desiring health care within their communities.
McLeod Health Loris marks its 75th “Diamond” Anniversary of caring for patients in the communities served.
To celebrate this milestone occasion, all community members are invited to attend a celebration on Tuesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at McLeod Loris Hospital, 3655 Mitchell Street, Loris.
In the fall of 1945, the late Dr. W. K. Rogers attended a Civitan meeting where he suggested that the community should build a hospital in Loris. Three local leaders, E. E. Prince, D. O. Heniford and Sam Hickman served as the committee to study the matter. Within five years of planning, petitioning legislation and fundraising, the dream became a reality.
On Monday, May 15, 1950, Loris Community Hospital, which later became Loris Healthcare System, opened its doors with 23 patient beds, a handful of physicians and a small but dedicated staff. At that moment, Loris Community Hospital’s mission was born.
After 75 years of new outpatient and inpatient services, growing number of physicians, and new technology, McLeod Loris is now a fully accredited acute care facility with 50 licensed beds.
More than half-a-century later the hospital continued to keep pace with the changing needs of the communities. In late 2011, the Board of Commissioners for Loris Community Hospital District unanimously decided to enter into a partnership with McLeod Health. This partnership represented a new beginning for two longtime, highly respected healthcare organizations that share a similar mission and philosophy of care. On Jan. 1, 2012, Loris Community Hospital unveiled its new name, McLeod Health Loris.
A three-dimensional piece of artwork created by Operations Manager and Communications Director Jennifer Hulon will be showcased. Accompanying this art piece will be photographs spanning from 1950 to the present.
In the boardroom, there will be food and beverages alongside classic films featuring Senator Strom Thurmond, commemorating the groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital’s 50th anniversary. Numerous videos will showcase individuals who contributed to the development of McLeod Loris Hospital from its inception to the present day. Ronald M. Fowler, a distinguished native of Horry County and the Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, who has played a vital role in enhancing quality care in the Loris region, will serve as the keynote speaker for this significant anniversary. One of the retired CEO’s, Frank Watts, who is 95 years young is planning to attend and might bring a bit of history with him to share.
Some intriguing details regarding the establishment of Loris Hospital include the fact that the first baby born there arrived before the facility officially opened on Broad Street in Loris. Ricky Hardee was the inaugural birth at the hospital; Dr. Rogers urged the staff to prepare for the delivery, even though they were not yet ready or operational. Nevertheless, Hardee was born healthy, greeted by a joyful family. Additionally, Dr. Chris Poe treated the first surviving COVID patient, named Mary. The staff gathered to bid her farewell on three occasions, and each time, she fought valiantly and triumphed over the illness.
“There is an abundance of knowledge to uncover regarding the history of this sweet little hospital,” Hulon remarked, “there is a wealth of history to convey. I am truly eager to welcome the public to visit us and discover more about McLeod Loris Hospital and the healthcare services we provide.
