ChristianaCare announced Sept. 29 its plans to open a new location in Rehoboth Beach at the site of the former Pier One business on Route 1.

The 10,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in spring 2022 at 18742 Coastal Highway, and will provide primary care, specialty healthcare services, and an innovative care model for patients 65 and older.

“We are on a mission to deliver the right care, at the right place for everyone – to make a positive impact on the health of every person in every community we serve,” said Lisa Maxwell, MD, president of the Medical Group of ChristianaCare. “That includes increasing access to primary and specialty care services that will help people to achieve their very best health and manage chronic conditions. We’re incredibly excited to provide families in Lewes, Rehoboth and surrounding areas, and especially those 65 and older, with high-quality, convenient care close to where they live, work and play.”

The new care model will address chronic health conditions, maintenance of mobility and functional status, nutrition and medication needs to support healthy aging. Patients will be able to have in-person visits with providers as well as the opportunity to connect virtually with expert specialists throughout ChristianaCare’s network of services. Home visits will be available to patients who have medical and social challenges that interfere with a typical office visit. The practice will also provide education and support for patients who face difficult decisions regarding insurance and medication plan choices. 

Officials say increasing population and health concerns are behind a growing need for more primary and specialty care services in Sussex County. According to state projections, the population of Sussex County is expected to increase by 12 percent by 2025, and the 65-and-older population is expected to grow by 16 percent over the same period. Residents of Sussex County also have higher rates of blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions than the state average, according to 2019 data from the Delaware Health Tracker.

“ChristianaCare’s new location in Sussex County fills a need for expanded primary and specialty care in Southern Delaware, which is rapidly growing with an aging population,” said Cydney T. Teal, MD, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at ChristianaCare. “Patients who choose ChristianaCare benefit from the advantages of being connected to Delaware’s largest, most advanced healthcare system, including electronic medical records, virtual access to care on their personal electronic devices and access to a secure patient portal, all designed to help them to actively engage with their providers in their health.”

Once renovations are complete, officials said, the new location will offer an easy-to-access, state-of-the-art space where patients can build a lasting relationship with their healthcare provider and seek medical advice.

The primary care practice plans to include extended hours for early morning and evening appointments, and some Saturday appointments, officials said.