DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 22, 2006 DHSS-85-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONSTRUCTION ON DELAWARE PSYCH HOSPITAL BEGINS
After 100 Years Patients Will be Under One Roof
New Castle - The official ground-breaking ceremony to launch the construction of the new Delaware Psychiatric Center building took place Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 12 noon which means construction is now underway on the nearly $5 million facility located on Rt. 13 at the Delaware Health and Social Services campus. The facility will allow all 200 patients to be under one roof. They are currently spread out in two buildings.
After the speeches by Delaware Health and Social Services Cabinet Secretary Vincent P. Meconi and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Division Director Renata Henry concluded, an aged cottage used for housing medical staff was the first building to be demolished kicking off the ground-breaking and demolition ceremony. After the ground-breaking ceremony concluded, everyone returned had a chance to view photos of the State Hospital dating back to the 1930's.
Ms. Henry said that she is "pleased with the floor plan which places multiple nurse stations between rooms, as opposed to one large station at the end of a hallway. As you tour the campus you can still see that some of the same rooms built in the early 19-hundreds exist today.
The ceremony took place behind the Main Building in the grass lot on the Holloway Campus at 1901 North DuPont Highway in New Castle.
Delaware Psychiatric Center, with a current census of 237 patients, is the sole state psychiatric hospital in Delaware and is operated by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. It is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and also has an accredited Psychiatric Residency Program.
The mission of Delaware Psychiatric Center is to provide treatment in a consumer centered environment that supports recovery. Delaware Psychiatric Center is one member in a continuum of providers offering effective treatment to individuals who have mental health/substance use conditions. Through collaboration with consumers and community partners, Delaware Psychiatric Center helps individuals reach their maximum level of wellness with the goal of community integration.
Delaware Psychiatric Center has been serving Delaware citizens since 1889. The census peaked at nearly 1600 patients in the 1960's. The census has been reduced over the years to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive setting whenever possible. The hospital's distinguished history includes research, education and pioneering new treatment techniques.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
