Beebe Healthcare’s Specialty Surgical Hospital to See First Patient on May 16
Beebe Healthcare leaders cut the ribbon Thursday at the Specialty Surgical Hospital that will transform surgical care in Sussex County.
Board members, executive leadership, physicians, and clinical staff gathered at the Rehoboth Health Campus to celebrate the opening of the Specialty Surgical Hospital on May 16. Beebe broke ground on the Rehoboth Health Campus on May 15, 2019 and opens it almost exactly three years later.
“This is a significant day for Sussex County,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “This facility represents the rapid evolution in not only healthcare for Sussex County but your local not-for-profit health system as well. Beebe is growing with our community, creating access to care, and meeting the patient where they are, which will be paramount in the coming years. This investment and pledge are our commitment to you because Sussex County is Our Specialty.”
The surgical hospital is packed with the latest technologies to streamline operative care for patients with a wide range of medical needs, from bariatric and breast procedures to orthopaedic surgeries. The $124 million, four-story, state-of-the-art surgical hospital ensures patients with scheduled surgeries do not need to compete for services with more acutely sick patients and emergency patients at a general acute-care hospital. Surgeons will be able to perform both minimally invasive and robotically assisted surgeries at this new surgery hospital.
“Specializing in Sussex County means more than just being here – it means taking the necessary steps to truly understand our neighbors’ evolving health needs and expectations, and to provide them the services they want and need, close to where they live, work, and visit,” Dr. Tam said.
In mid-March, community members were able to tour the private patient rooms and pre- and post-operative bays, as well as diagnostic imaging and physical therapy space. Capping off those celebrations were tours with Gov. John Carney and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester.
“I am looking forward to the community seeing the new hospital when it opens and patients begin to experience the great care they will receive,” said Mark Loukides, Vice President of Facilities and Environment of Care. “Built with the patient, families and staff in mind, everyone will be greeted with a warm and welcoming environment and an amazing care team. Many of these decisions were made with the support and guidance from Beebe’s Patient Family Advisory Council and the employees. This was truly a hospital build by the community, for the community. I was blessed to be a member of the collaboration that makes this day possible.”
Community support of the Surgical Hospital has been unmatched since Beebe’s largest expansion plan was unveiled in 2017. The work of the Beebe Medical Foundation was critical as the Specialty Surgical Hospital was built, with construction costs requiring an investment of over $100 million. Fundraising supporting the new facility is essential as Beebe expands programs, services, and its medical staff, invests in future technologies, and continuously works to enhance the patient experience.
“You can see the power of philanthropy and gratitude in action with the opening of this building,” said Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation. “The Foundation is so grateful for our donors who have made this day possible. Fundraising to support this new facility has been and will be essential long-term as we continue to meet the needs of our fast-growing community. Today is a testament to the fact that Sussex supports Beebe and day to truly celebrate our rich and committed history of 106 years to our community.”
Caption: Regina Newell, RN, center, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the May 16 opening of the Specialty Surgical Hospital. She is joined by, left to right, Pamela Baker, Board Member, Chris Weeks, Board Member, Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation, John Hale, MD, Mark Loukides, VP of Facilities, David A. Tam, MD, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare, Paul Peet, MD, President of Beebe Medical Staff, Sara Larch, Board Member, Christian Hudson, Board Chair, Beebe Medical Foundation.