Beebe Healthcare today announced revisions to its strategic expansion first announced in 2017.

Among other tweaks, the new plan no longer includes the construction of additional inpatient rooms at the Lewes Campus. Instead, it places greater emphasis on outpatient services and access to advanced medical technology.

"Hospitals and health systems throughout the country have worked very hard over the past few years to transform the way that healthcare is delivered," said Jeffrey M. Fried, president and CEO of Beebe Healthcare. "The future of healthcare includes more care being provided in convenient and efficient outpatient settings, and less care requiring an extended stay in a hospital."

Friend noted that Beebe is looking to reduce the rate of inpatient hospitalization through new approaches to health management.

"After careful review, we strongly believe that this is the right approach to ensure that we can remain focused on providing the right mix of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services to improve the health of the communities we serve, enhance patient experience, and provide care in the most cost effective and fiscally sound manner possible," Fried said.

Much of the ambitious expansion plan, however, is staying the same.The new South Coastal Campus in Millville is set to begin construction this fall, and the Specialty Surgical Hospital in Rehoboth Beach is slated for this spring.

The Lewes Campus will also get improvements, including interior renovations, expansion of the West Lobby, additional parking, beautifying the corner of 4th and Savannah Road, and remodeling of patient rooms.