What is The Next Wave and why is Bayhealth launching it now?
The Next Wave is a multi-year reinvestment initiative designed to expand and modernize Bayhealth’s facilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of central and southern Delaware. It reflects Bayhealth’s ongoing commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and builds on a century of service to the community.

How long will The Next Wave project take to complete?
The project will unfold through 2029, with phased construction at both the Kent and Sussex campuses and milestone openings each year.

What are the key goals of this expansion?
The goals are to enhance access to care, expand capacity, improve the patient and team member experience and strengthen the environment where clinicians can deliver exceptional care.

How will The Next Wave strengthen Bayhealth’s mission to improve community health?
The initiative advances Bayhealth’s mission to strengthen the health of our community, one life at a time, by ensuring patients have access to safe, modern and efficient facilities in their own community.

How is the project being funded? Will it affect patient costs?
The project is supported through strong financial performance, careful planning and philanthropy. It will not result in new costs for patients.

What does the project timeline look like for both Kent and Sussex campuses?
Construction will begin in phases through 2029. Major milestones include the Heart and Vascular consolidation by 2026, the Kent tower expansion, the opening of a new childcare center in early 2026, and additional Sussex campus facilities — including a Medical Office Building and interventional suite — by 2028.

How will Bayhealth communicate updates and milestones to the public?
Regular updates will be shared through Bayhealth.org/Next-Wave, social media, community newsletters and media announcements.

What new facilities or services are planned at the Kent Campus?
Plans include expanding the main patient tower from four to 10 stories, adding 64 private inpatient rooms, enlarging the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, and updating the kitchen and cafeteria for improved efficiency.

How will the new 10-story patient tower at Kent improve patient care and comfort?
The tower will feature all-private rooms designed to enhance privacy, infection prevention and healing. It will also improve patient flow and support the latest technology for clinicians.

What enhancements are being made to the Emergency Department in Kent?
The Emergency Department will expand to include a dedicated fast-track area, additional waiting space and a behavioral health suite to better serve patients experiencing mental health emergencies.

What will the expanded Heart and Vascular services include?
Heart and Vascular services will be consolidated under one roof by 2026, featuring 29 exam rooms, advanced imaging and specialized clinics for comprehensive cardiovascular care.

What new features or departments are coming to the Sussex Campus?
Plans for Sussex include a new Medical Office Building by 2027, an interventional suite by 2028 with radiology, neurology, electrophysiology and cardiac cath lab capabilities, and expanded outpatient services to meet the county’s rapid growth.

What is the purpose of the new Medical Office Building in Sussex, and what services will be located there?
The new Medical Office Building, scheduled to open in 2027, is designed to bring Bayhealth’s outpatient services together under one roof — making it easier for patients to access coordinated, comprehensive care in one convenient location. The facility will house a range of specialty and primary care practices featuring exam rooms, advanced imaging and collaborative clinical spaces to support integrated, patient-centered care for Sussex County’s rapidly growing population.

How will the new childcare center support Bayhealth team members and their families?
The childcare center, opening in 2026, will accommodate up to 102 children and provide high-quality care for families of clinicians and team members — supporting recruitment, retention and work-life balance.

How will The Next Wave help address clinician shortages in the region?
By creating modern, well-equipped workspaces and supportive environments, Bayhealth aims to attract and retain top clinical talent across specialties.

Will the project reduce long wait times in Emergency and outpatient areas?
Yes. The expansion will increase capacity, streamline patient flow and introduce new technology to improve scheduling and throughput.

How will Bayhealth ensure patient safety and quality of care during construction?
Strict safety protocols and infection prevention measures will be maintained. Construction zones will be separated from patient areas to ensure care continues safely and efficiently.

What improvements will patients notice first?
Patients will first see enhanced spaces, more private rooms and upgraded Emergency Department areas designed for comfort and faster service.

How will this expansion affect parking, traffic and visitor access during construction?
Some parking and traffic patterns may shift temporarily during construction. Clear signage, communication and regular updates will guide patients and visitors throughout each phase. As part of the Kent County expansion, Bayhealth will also add a new multi-level parking garage to increase capacity and improve convenience for patients, visitors and team members once construction is complete.

Will there be any temporary service disruptions while work is underway?
Bayhealth is committed to maintaining essential services. Any temporary adjustments will be announced well in advance with guidance for patients.

What message does Bayhealth have for patients who are concerned about care, quality and access during this expansion?
Bayhealth remains dedicated to delivering safe, compassionate care throughout construction. The expansion ensures our community has access to the best possible care, now and in the future.

How is Bayhealth working to ensure safety and quality performance at both campuses?
Bayhealth continues to strengthen safety and quality through ongoing investments in infection prevention, safety training and data-driven performance monitoring. Recent Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) metrics show no penalties for hospital-acquired infections — a clear reflection of our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care at both campuses. HAI metrics track central line infections, catheter infections, surgical site infections, MRSA, C. diff., etc.

What steps are being taken to retain and recruit top clinicians and team members?
Bayhealth continues to invest in professional development, career advancement and well-being programs, along with facilities that support collaboration and innovation.

How will the project help meet the growing healthcare needs of Kent and Sussex counties?
The Next Wave adds capacity where population growth is highest, expands emergency and specialty care, and ensures the infrastructure needed for the next generation of healthcare.

What is Bayhealth doing to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project?
The health system will maintain open communication with patients, team members and the community through regular project updates, reports and engagement opportunities.

Why is the hospital in Dover continuing to grow?
Our community’s healthcare needs are expanding — and we must grow to meet them. Growth allows us to improve access to care, modernize our facilities and provide advanced services close to home. Every investment we make is designed to strengthen the health and well-being of the people who live and work in our region.

Is the Kent Campus getting too large for downtown Dover?
While our Kent Campus’ impact continues to grow, our physical footprint remains small and efficient. We’ve learned how to use our space wisely — creating thoughtful, purpose-built areas that support high-quality care without unnecessary sprawl. From this compact downtown site, we deliver care to tens of thousands of people each year, proving that big impact doesn’t require a big footprint.

How does the hospital’s growth benefit the local community?
We are proud to be an economic driver for Dover and central Delaware. With more than 5,000 team members — many who live, shop and dine locally — we directly support small businesses and strengthen the local economy. In addition, we reinvest through sponsorships, community partnerships and volunteer programs that uplift families and neighborhoods across the region.

Why is continued investment in the hospital necessary?
Healthcare is always evolving, and to stay ahead, we must evolve with it. Growth allows us to attract and retain top physicians, nurses, and specialists, ensuring our community has access to the best possible care. Our hospital’s success helps drive Dover’s success — creating jobs, supporting education and contributing to a thriving, connected community for generations to come.

Why is the hospital planning to tear down two houses to build a parking garage?
We understand that change in our downtown neighborhood can raise questions. The decision to build a parking garage comes from a genuine need — safe, convenient parking is essential for our patients, visitors, and the more than 5,000 team members who serve our community each day.

As part of the design, we’re taking care to ensure the garage blends into the look and feel of downtown Dover. The exterior will feature an aesthetically pleasing façade that complements surrounding architecture, along with landscaping, trees, and greenery to add natural beauty.

This project is about more than parking — it’s about supporting access to care, safety, and a better experience for everyone who visits or works at the hospital, while continuing to respect and enhance the community we call home.

What will Bayhealth look like by the end of The Next Wave project in 2029?
By 2029, Bayhealth will feature modern, expanded facilities, advanced technology and patient-centered spaces that support comfort, safety and innovation.

How does this expansion position Bayhealth for the future?
The Next Wave ensures Bayhealth is prepared to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs and continue serving as a trusted community partner for decades to come.

How does The Next Wave align with Bayhealth’s partnerships, such as Penn Medicine and the Penn Cancer Network?
The project complements Bayhealth’s partnerships by providing the infrastructure and technology needed to deliver advanced specialty care in collaboration with leading institutions.

How is Bayhealth ensuring sustainability and efficiency in the design of new facilities?
Each phase of The Next Wave emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency and thoughtful design to support environmental stewardship and long-term operational excellence.