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Morning Star
Vol. 11 No. 12 Kent & Sussex Counties, Delaware
August 2008
Bayhealth breaks ground on expansion
On July 15, Bayhealth broke ground on the largest building project in its history – a $168 million, 400,000 square foot expansion at Kent General Hospital. This project will redefine the level of healthcare available to residents of central Delaware. The expansion is Phase II of Bayhealth’s 10-year strategic plan designed to address present and future healthcare needs. “It is both an honor and pleasure to break ground for the start of Phase II of Bayhealth’s 10-year expansion plan,” said Bayhealth President/CEO Dennis E. Klima. “Today’s groundbreaking cements Bayhealth’s commitment to provide the best community healthcare services.” Construction is expected to be complete in 2011 and will consist of a new Emergency Department that will double the size of our existing facility and provide shell space for future growth, an integrated Cancer Center that will bring radiation and medical oncology together, a Welcome Center, a Central Utility Building and a 375 car parking garage with convenient access right into the hospital. The total square footage of this project is over 400,000. This new construction will reorient the front door of the hospital and organize functions around a central green space. Upon entering the building, visitors will enter the light-filled two-story Welcome Center space with reception, waiting and retail areas. This area will link directly to the existing hospital, new Emergency Department and Cancer Center. From the entry, an open stair will rise to the second floor where the Medical Resource Library and Medical Oncology will be located. Bayhealth has taken a forward approach to consolidating and streamlining material flow, utilities and mechanical equipment by creating a new Central Services Building across South Street. During construction, 250 additional parking spaces have been created in the area formerly known as the employee parking lot on South Street adjacent to the construction zone. Starting in early August, visitor parking will be relocated to this lot. A parking shuttle from this location will be available to take visitors to the hospital from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily – or visitors can simply
Bayhealth Planning Chair Jim Flood, Bayhealth Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President Terry Murphy, Dover Mayor Carlton Carey, Whiting Turner President Jim Gerber, Bayhealth Board Chair Barbara Rutt, Greg Moore from Becker Morgan, Jim Martini from Whiting Turner and up in the machine - Dennis E. Klima, Bayhealth President/CEO. Photo by Laura Rogers
drive up to the patient drop-off area and take advantage of free valet parking service from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. This 10-year plan was launched in 2001, when the Bayhealth Board of Directors approved the expansion project. Phase 1 was completed in 2006 and consisted of the creation of three new stories on top of an existing three story building. This construction included the two-story Center for Women and Infants with labor, delivery and recovery all-private rooms, a nursery, perinatology suite, c-section suite and a neo-natal intensive care unit. The additional new floor provides 26 all private rooms equipped with the ability to remotely monitor patients. In addition to this project at Kent General, Bayhealth is also working on plans for the Milford Memorial facility. These plans will be announced as soon as they are approved by the Bayhealth Board of Directors.
When completed, the Bayhealth expansion will include a retail center, a 30,000 sq. ft. Central Services Building, a 35,000 sq. ft. Emergency Department with a rooftop heliport, a 35,000 sq. ft Integrated Cancer Center and a new 135,000 parking garage. Shown is the view from Governors Ave.