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.”

For further information related to this transition, please contact the Delaware Hospice Public Relations Team at publicrelations@delawarehospice.org

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About Delaware Hospice

Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided the highest quality hospice and healthcare services and serves as a trusted community partner in end-of-life education and support. Our mission is to provide support to every individual, family, and community with compassionate and expert care for serious illness. Accredited by the Joint Commission and active members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Delaware Quality of Life Coalition, and Alliance Kids Delaware Hospice continues to be a licensed, nonprofit, community-based healthcare agency serving Delaware as well as southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. Through our commitment to care for our community, we offer the following programs and services, many free of charge: Delaware Hospice, the Delaware Hospice Center, Katybug, Delaware Palliative, Bereavement, and New Hope. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 302-478-5707 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice..

About Saint Francis Hospital

Founded in 1924, Saint Francis Hospital is guided by its Catholic health core values of reverence, stewardship, integrity, justice, and commitment to the underserved. Located in Wilmington, Del., and with 219 licensed beds, Saint Francis Hospital offers numerous outpatient services, a primary care physician network and is a member of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Network at Jefferson. Saint Francis Hospital offers the shortest ER wait time in New Castle County, Del., and is designated by the state and American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level III Trauma Center. The hospital is the basic life support EMS provider for the cities of Wilmington and Dover, Del. Additionally, the hospital partners with Nemours- Children’s Hospital for Level II neonatology care, and partners with Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals for maternal-fetal medicine. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic is a Regional Health System that includes Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa.; Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia; Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del.; St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa. and home health and LIFE programs. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation.

About Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic is a Regional Health System that includes Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa.; Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia; Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del.; St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., and home health and LIFE programs throughout the region. These entities include hospitals, associated clinics, medical offices, specialized facilities, affiliated institutions and foundations serving together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within their communities. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic is a member of Trinity Health.