DOVER — Bayhealth and Post Acute Medical (PAM) Rehabilitation Hospital of Dover have announced a joint venture that expands rehab treatment in Kent and Sussex counties.
Come January, PAM Health will manage all inpatient rehab services at Bayhealth’s new Sussex Campus and open treatment options at PAM Health’s existing Dover and future Georgetown facilities. The acute care facility will also open a new office on Bayhealth’s campus in Milford. It’s unclear when that new facility will open, as it is subject to state regulatory approval.
“PAM Health is one of the fastest growing experts in the medical rehabilitation industry,” Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy said in a prepared statement. “In addition to their expertise and national experience, PAM Health shares Bayhealth’s deeply held commitment to meeting the growing rehabilitation needs of our communities and carrying out our mission of strengthening the health of our community, one life at a time.”
The agreement opens the possibility for more resources at Bayhealth, as the health care system only offers 40 beds for inpatient rehab services at its Sussex Campus. The 2-year-old PAM Health in Dover has 34 beds, and that will double once the $20 million Georgetown medical office opens next year.
It’s too early to determine the exact expansion of jobs that come with this agreement, but Bayhealth officials note that with the third office on its campus it will need more staff. PAM Health in Dover employs about 220 people, and the Georgetown office will double that number again.
“There has been nothing more important to PAM Health than formalizing an already great relationship with Bayhealth,” PAM Health CEO and Founder Anthony Misitano said in a prepared statement. “When it comes to providing exceptional care our new partner is second to none. Terry Murphy is a visionary leader and I’m gratified to work with him and his team to bring new and improved rehabilitation service to the Delaware market.”
Based in Pennsylvania, PAM offers specialty health care services in more than 50 long-term acute care and medical rehabilitation hospitals and 18 outpatient physical therapy locations in 13 states. The provider combines daily physician oversight with state-of-the-art technology with the care of an expert clinician team to treat conditions such as stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s, hip fractures and more.
Since February 2019, PAM Health in Dover has treated 32,000 patients and quickly started collaborating with Bayhealth on patient care. Based on census figures, that patient number could be growing as southern Delaware continues to age. Kent County’s 65 and older population is expected to grow by 25% by 2035, while Sussex County is expected to grow 37% in the same time period.
“Currently about 40% of patients seen in our Dover location come from southern Sussex County and beyond,” PAM Health Chief Strategy Officer Lisa MacLean told the Delaware Business Times. “Our goal is to provide the highest level of rehabilitative care close to home.”
Evaluating the need for high-quality rehabilitation services, Bayhealth and PAM health started working on the details of an agreement to better leverage each organization’s strengths and create the infrastructure for future Delawareans’ needs.
“All patients will have the choice to select the best care that is appropriate for their needs,” MacLean said. “Those patients that could benefit from acute inpatient rehabilitation would be given the option to go to the acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital of their choice that best meets those needs.”
