#United States #Pediatric Care #Wilmington #Maternal Health #Nemours Children

Major Investment by Nemours Children's Health in Delaware

Nemours Children’s Health has made headlines by announcing a remarkable investment plan aimed at enhancing pediatric healthcare in Delaware. With a total of $130 million slated for various projects in 2025, this marks the largest annual capital investment in the organization's history within the state.

The investment encompasses several critical enhancements, including the launch of a groundbreaking Maternal and Fetal Health Program, which promises to redefine healthcare standards for young families. This ambitious initiative will see a significant upgrade of the Advanced Delivery Program at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, featuring the development of state-of-the-art operating rooms dedicated to both fetal and maternal care. By expanding these facilities, Nemours aims to prevent families from having to seek specialized services outside the state, thus offering a more accessible experience for patients and their support systems.

The Vision for Maternal and Fetal Health

Dr. Kate Deans, the Surgeon-in-Chief at Nemours, outlines a transformative vision for maternal-fetal care that includes not just improved facilities but also cutting-edge diagnostics and therapies aimed at bolstering the health of families within Delaware. The new design for the program includes four labor and delivery birthing suites, eight postpartum rooms, and operating rooms designed for dual functionalities, making it a versatile hub for maternal and child healthcare.

Dr. Deans emphasizes the importance of localized care, highlighting that families with complex needs should not have to travel far to receive treatment. As part of this comprehensive strategy, Nemours will bring in leading specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, enriching the expertise available in Delaware and enhancing the community's overall health landscape.

Expanding Other Pediatric Services

In parallel with its maternal and fetal health focus, Nemours is also expanding its capacity in neonatology, cancer, and cardiology. Notably, Delaware's only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will increase its capacity by adding 14 inpatient rooms, reaching a total of 45 beds. This expansion supports the goal of delivering critical care to Delaware’s most vulnerable infants.

Additionally, with a generous contribution from the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation, Nemours will establish the Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders, which will include 24 inpatient beds and a large outpatient facility designed for day hospital services. This project aims to double the current capacity and improve care for children battling cancer and blood disorders, including the integral opportunity to participate in clinical trials.

In the cardiology sector, two new leaders have been appointed to advance these crucial services. Dr. Aaron W. Eckhauser will spearhead the pediatric cardiovascular unit, while Dr. Mark Twite will co-direct the cardiac anesthesia division, showcasing a strong commitment to improving specialized cardiac care for children.

Revitalization of the Historic Institute Building

In addition to these healthcare services, Nemours will revitalize the historic Alfred I. duPont Institute building into a modern administrative office while honoring its origins as a children's orthopedic hospital established in 1940. This renovation will include an upgraded Simulation Center aimed at providing a hands-on training environment for healthcare professionals, ensuring that the quality of care provided aligns with contemporary standards.

The new facilities and specialized programs reflect Nemours' enduring commitment to pediatric health and community welfare in Delaware. As Dr. Mark R. Marcantano, President of Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley, emphasizes, this investment goes far beyond mere infrastructure—it resonates with the core mission of fostering healthier generations of children across Delaware and beyond.

Nemours Children's Health stands as a pillar of support for families, with an unwavering focus on providing comprehensive care that addresses both medical needs and the holistic well-being of children and their communities. With these initiatives underway, a brighter and healthier future for the children of Delaware appears on the horizon.