COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s state-owned hospital system plans to take a controlling stake in a struggling Grand Strand hospital operator.

A legislative oversight committee gave the initial nod Tuesday for the Medical University of South Carolina’s hospital system to purchase a more than 50% share in Tidelands Health.

Legislators revealed, during a meeting of the Joint Bond Review Committee, that Tidelands is operating at a $50 million deficit. The private hospital company has asked MUSC to step in and help.

Neither MUSC nor Tidelands disclosed how much the deal would cost. According to the two hospital systems, negotiations are ongoing.

Tidelands employs more than 2,500 people in coastal Georgetown, Horry, and Williamsburg counties, according to its website.

“From Georgetown to Murrel

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