SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - As Sussex County continues to experience rapid growth, Beebe Healthcare leaders are raising concerns about the increasing strain on medical services, particularly for seniors.
Dr. David Tam, CEO of Beebe Healthcare, noted that in just five years, the area is projected to see 3,000 more hospitalizations annually from the 65+ population. Data from Beebe shows that from 2020 to 2023, Sussex County’s population grew faster than both the state and national averages, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down.
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"The worst-case scenario is that we will continue to be in a situation where we will not have enough healthcare services for the people who need it," said Tam.
The growth is largely fueled by the influx of seniors, who require more healthcare services.
Colleen Ponton, who lives in Lewes, expressed concern for her future healthcare needs.
“I am concerned that as I age and need more of these healthcare services, I want to make sure that they're available for myself and my husband," said Ponton.
In the coming decade, Beebe's data predicts the senior population will require 36 percent more trauma services and 30 percent more rehab services. To meet these demands, he emphasized the need for more affordable housing options for healthcare workers, as many of Beebe’s staff cannot afford to live near their workplace.
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“When people complain about things like growth and sprawl, there's another perspective that we have to grow our healthcare workforce if we’re going to provide quality access to healthcare,” said Tam.