The state is building a new Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) to replace the current decades old facility in Smyrna.
State leaders and hospital staff recently broke ground on a new facility for the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, which will replace the current building on the Smyrna campus.
Dava Newnam, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Deputy Secretary, says that providing long term care for all patients is different today than it was when the old facility was built in 1961.
“And the DHCI itself is different even from that. So, we serve those that cannot be served in community or home settings, and also face challenges in private nursing homes” said Newnam.
Newnam notes while the current facility is five-star CMS rated, it faces various practical issues in providing care.
“Just with the structure of where the nursing stations are located, there’s a lack of ability to lock certain units down, we don’t have any locked units at DHCI. So, we have challenges admitting too many individuals that have wandering issues.” she said
Newnam also point out the floor plan was designed to have multiple people in the same room, which does not fit current standards.
The new $90 million facility aims to address those concerns. It will also have updated technology, such as bariatric bathrooms, Hoyer lifts and forced wall air to replace portable oxygen tanks. There will also be new dining facilities for both mealtime and non-mealtime uses, and a multipurpose auditorium.
“Everything our residents need will be available in one building” Newnam said. “Right now, they have to leave the Candee Building to access some of their therapies, so physical and occupational therapies will be available right there in the building.”
The new facility will also have 3 courtyards and nearly 200 parking spots available for those working there or visiting.
The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.
