(Wilmington, Del.)- As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and sustainability of its services, Delaware Hospice will shift its Saint Francis-based operations from a centralized IPU to a scattered bed model. The “Delaware Hospice at Saint Francis” unit will accept admissions up to December 28, 2024, and will officially transition on January 10, 2025. Delaware Hospice will continue to serve the city of Wilmington and the surrounding area through home care, inpatient service, and palliative care.
This decision is driven by a combination of factors, encompassing both internal strategic priorities and external market dynamics. These factors have made it necessary to optimize organizational resources to maintain the provision of high-quality care. This transition still allows Delaware Hospice to live its mission of providing compassionate, expert care to the community.
A scattered bed model involves distributing General Inpatient (GIP) Hospice Care across various rooms within the hospital rather than maintaining a centralized unit. Delaware Hospice utilizes this approach in other hospitals across the state.
Despite the closure of the centralized IPU, Delaware Hospice is dedicated to ensuring seamless continuity of care for all patients. The inpatient hospice center in Milford – the Delaware Hospice Center – will remain open and completely unaffected.
Furthermore, Delaware Hospice will maintain its strong relationship with Saint Francis Hospital, allowing both organizations to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment and community needs. Delaware Hospice is proud to continue partnering with Saint Francis Hospital for hospice and palliative care services, physician education, ACO participation, and will maintain its role in The Healthy Village at Saint Francis Hospital.
“Closing the centralized unit at Saint Francis is part of a strategic move for Delaware Hospice,” said Delaware Hospice President and CEO, Susan D. Lloyd. “By transitioning to a scattered bed model, we can continue providing hospice care at the hospital when patients need a higher level of care than can be provided in their home. Regardless of setting, our community’s hospice care will continue with the same level of dedication and expertise that we have been honored to provide since 1982.”
“We value our partnership with Delaware Hospice and will continue to support their organization during this transition period,” said the President of Saint Francis Hospital, Marlow Levy. “As a staple in downtown Wilmington for over 100 years we look forward to continuing to serve our city alongside Delaware Hospice.”
If you or a loved one is in need of inpatient hospice care or a respite stay, please reach out to our Referral Center by calling 855-335-4677.
For further information related to this transition, please contact the Delaware Hospice Public Relations Team at publicrelations@delawarehospice.org.
