Beebe Healthcare is developing a cancer center and emergency department in Millville — part of the health care system's plans to better serve Sussex County.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sussex County’s population grew by almost 12 percent from 2010 to 2016 and it continues to grow.
That’s why Barry Hamp, the executive director of Beebe Healthcare's Tunnell Cancer Center in Rehoboth Beach, says the planned cancer center and emergency department in Millville will benefit the county.
"As we grow with retirees and even younger families, the emergency department is needed in that area. It's a long up here if you're worried about a loved one or a family member," Hamp said.
He continued, "I think all these things really make it better for Sussex County residents to be able to pick and choose where they’d like to live but don’t have to choose based on how close they are to a Lewes facility or a Rehoboth Beach facility."
The planned South Coastal site will have emergency services, an infusion center and physicians and oncologists. Hamp said it will be just like Beebe's Rehoboth Beach cancer center.
The new cancer center will also allow Beebe's Rehoboth location to have additional capacity. Hamp says he expects that about 20 percent of the patients who use the Rehoboth facility will migrate to the Millville one once it’s built.
Beebe expects to complete the project towards the end of 2019.
