Williamsburg County families face long drives for pediatric and maternal care

Residents of Williamsburg County, South Carolina, face significant challenges accessing pediatric and maternal healthcare, according to Live 5 WCSC. Despite a population nearing 30,000, the county has no OB-GYNs, general pediatricians, or certified nurse midwives practicing within its borders, as reported by the 2026 South Carolina Health Professions Data Book.

One pediatric practice operates in Kingstree, providing some local care, but many families remain unaware of its existence. Lyrick Hayward, a mother in Williamsburg County, expressed surprise at learning about the local pediatric service, highlighting the lack of awareness among residents.

Parents like Hayward often must drive 45 minutes to an hour each way to reach medical appointments for their children. This travel time, combined with the appointment itself, can consume much of a day and require taking time off work, adding stress for working families.

Hayward emphasized that having more healthcare options closer to home would reduce travel burdens and help parents balance work and family responsibilities. She also noted concerns for families lacking reliable transportation or flexible employment to accommodate medical visits.

The limited healthcare resources in Williamsburg County underscore a gap in essential services that affects many families’ ability to access timely pediatric and prenatal care.

Local healthcare providers and community leaders may need to explore solutions to improve access and awareness of available services in the area.