Jun 27th, 2019 · by Jennifer Antonik
MILFORD — A new healthcare offering is headed for Clark Avenue in Milford thanks to a deal struck between Bayhealth and Nationwide Healthcare Services.
The two groups announced the sale of Milford Memorial Hospital by Bayhealth and purchase by Nationwide Healthcare Services after years of work preparing the deal.
“I’m ecstatic to be able to get started on converting the site and preparing to take the delivery of care in Milford to the next level,” Nationwide CEO Meir Gelley said. “The Milford region is growing rapidly, and we want to be in position to provide the latest services the population is demanding.”
Bayhealth’s President and CEO Terry Murphy also expressed excitement for the sale, having worked with Mr. Gelley during the entire process.
“Bayhealth is pleased to work with Nationwide Healthcare Services. We look forward to seeing the development of the Milford Wellness Village by Nationwide,” he said.
The hospital moved out of their now former facility Feb. 5 this year and into their new space in south Milford. The Bayhealth Sussex Campus now has a hospital, outpatient center, rehab, private rooms and an upcoming office building which will house Nemours and other physicians.
Like Bayhealth, Nationwide Healthcare Services hope to expand medical options for all ages in the community.
According to a press release sent by both organizations, “Almost half the space in the Wellness Village is already committed. A skilled nursing facility will occupy space on the first and second floors of the former Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital. A federally qualified health center will move into the former cancer center. A childcare center will move into one of the campus buildings, and the former hospital fitness center will be expanded into an outpatient rehab gym. The openings of the businesses will take place on different dates throughout the fall this year.”
Other potential tenants are currently discussing options with Nationwide Healthcare Services who hopes to fill the hospital with quality options in the near future.
“We want to complement each other in our mutual mission of excellence in delivery of care,” Mr. Gelley said. “We feel fortunate that Bayhealth has given us this opportunity by selling us their former property.”
Reach staff writer Jennifer Antonik at jantonik@newszap.com