Tessa Quinn
The Emily P. Bissell Hospital, founded in the early 1900s, was named after Emily Perkins Bissell, an American social worker and activist known for introducing Christmas Seals to the United States. The hospital, located in Brandywine Springs, Delaware, originally provided care for people with tuberculosis. However, in 2015, the hospital was permanently closed due to a declining census across long-term care facilities and ongoing problems with the nursing facility's hot water system. Since its closure, the hospital has remained vacant, sparking curiosity about its potential sale or alternative uses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Closure | 2015 |
| Reason for Closure | Declining long-term care census, ongoing problems with the nursing facility's hot water system |
| Size | 50-acre campus |
| Number of Residents | 48 |
| Number of Staff | 143 |
| Relocation Sites for Residents | Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna, privately-run nursing homes |
| Relocation Sites for Staff | Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Delaware Psychiatric Center |
| Current Status | Abandoned |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The history of Emily P. Bissell Hospital
Emily Perkins Bissell, born in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 31, 1861, was an American social worker and activist. She founded her city's first public kindergarten and worked to introduce child labor laws in her state. In 1883, she founded an organization, now known as the West End Neighborhood House, that provided social services to Wilmington's immigrant Irish and German families.
In 1907, she was drawn to the cause of helping people with tuberculosis (TB). She had heard of an idea in Denmark in which people attached a special stamp to their mail, with the proceeds going to fight the disease. She decided to introduce a similar idea in Delaware, with the goal of raising $300 for a local sanitarium. She designed a bright red stamp and convinced local post offices to sell them for just 1 cent. Although the idea initially failed, Bissell gained enough publicity from a Philadelphia newspaper to make $3,000 for the National Tuberculosis Association. The following year, a notable illustrator from Wilmington, Howard Pyle, donated the design of the second stamp.
In 1910, a new and larger facility was built at a place called Hope Farm in MCH. By 1919, it had a capacity of 60 beds for white patients, while the Edgewood Sanatorium across the road had room for 20 black patients. In 1955, Brandywine was renamed the Emily P. Bissell Sanatorium, and in 1957, it became the Emily P. Bissell Hospital.
In 2015, the Department of Health and Social Services decided to close the hospital, citing a declining census across all of its long-term care facilities and the desire of most residents to remain in their current living situations. The 48 residents at the time were relocated to other nursing homes, and the 143 staff members also transitioned to other locations within DHSS. The campus, which includes the hospital, administrative offices, and Christiana Care's Evergreen Center, is currently being evaluated for alternative uses.
Hospitals and DNR Forms: Who Decides?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The hospital's closure in 2015
The Emily P. Bissell Hospital, founded in the early 1900s, originally provided care to people diagnosed with tuberculosis. The hospital was named after Emily Perkins Bissell, an American social worker and activist. In February 2015, the Department of Health and Social Services decided to close the hospital, citing ongoing problems with the nursing facility's hot water system. The hospital's 48 residents at the time were relocated to other nursing homes, and by March, all residents had been transferred. The hospital's 143 employees were also reassigned to other state facilities, primarily the Governor Bacon Health Center, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, and the Delaware Psychiatric Center.
The closure of the hospital was also influenced by a declining census across DHSS' long-term care facilities and the desire of the majority of Emily Bissell residents to remain in their new living situations. The 50-acre campus, which included the hospital, administrative offices, and Christiana Care's Evergreen Center, an adult day care services facility, was to be evaluated for alternative uses. The administrative space and Evergreen Center remained in use, but the state health department sought alternative uses for the rest of the facility.
Despite some patients' desire to return to their beds at the former long-term care facility, the state decided to keep the hospital permanently closed. This decision was driven by declining occupancy and the preference of more than half of the former residents to remain at their new facilities. The recently completed renovations, which included replacing the boilers and updating electrical and other systems, had cost $950,000. However, the state felt that the low number of residents wishing to return, with only about 14 expressing interest, justified keeping the hospital closed.
The closure of the Emily P. Bissell Hospital marked the end of an era, as it had played an important role in caring for Delaware's most vulnerable residents for over a century. The hospital's legacy is tied to that of Emily Bissell, the woman it was named after, who dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate.
Hospital Residents: Do They Stay or Stray?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Repairs and renovations
The Emily P. Bissell Hospital in Brandywine Springs, Delaware, was permanently closed in 2015 due to ongoing problems with its hot water system and a declining census across all of the Department of Health and Social Services' (DHSS) long-term care facilities. Repairs to the hot water system were completed in about six months at a cost of $950,000, but the facility remained closed.
Before the hospital's closure, it had been licensed for 85 beds and included administrative offices and Christiana Care's Evergreen Center, an adult day care services facility. The Evergreen Center remained operational after the hospital's closure, and the state health department began evaluating alternative uses for the remainder of the facility.
The repairs and renovations undertaken at the hospital before its closure included replacing all three of the facility's boilers and bringing the electrical and other systems up to code. These renovations were likely necessary to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the residents and staff.
In addition to the hot water system repairs and boiler replacements, other systems may have required upgrades or replacements to meet current standards and regulations. For example, the electrical system was brought up to code, indicating that it may have previously posed a safety hazard or been inadequate for the hospital's needs.
The building's infrastructure, including plumbing, HVAC, and waste management systems, may have also required updates or repairs. Ensuring that these systems are functioning properly is essential for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in a healthcare setting. Additionally, any issues with the building's structure, such as water damage, mould, or instability, would have needed to be addressed to ensure the stability and longevity of the facility.
Overall, the repairs and renovations undertaken at the Emily P. Bissell Hospital likely focused on addressing immediate safety concerns and bringing the facility up to date with current codes and regulations. While the hot water system and boiler replacements were significant undertakings, there may have been other less prominent but equally important updates made to various systems and infrastructure components.
The Evolution of Hospital Rooms: Semi-Private Spaces
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Hospital [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61oQ2sBPcmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Residents and staff relocation
The Emily P. Bissell Hospital, a state-run nursing home in Brandywine Springs, was permanently closed in 2015. The closure was due to ongoing problems with the nursing facility's hot water system and a declining census across all of the Department of Health and Social Services' (DHSS) long-term care facilities.
The relocation process for the residents and staff of the Emily P. Bissell Hospital was carried out in a systematic manner to ensure the well-being and safety of all individuals involved. The process began with the transfer of residents to alternative accommodation. Out of the 48 residents at the time of closure, 14 were transferred to the Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City, 13 to the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna, 13 to various private nursing homes, and one resident chose to live in the community. Unfortunately, two residents required hospitalization during the transition, and sadly, five others passed away.
The staff members at the Emily P. Bissell Hospital also underwent a smooth transition process. The 143 employees were successfully reassigned to other locations within DHSS, primarily the Governor Bacon Health Center, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, and the Delaware Psychiatric Center. Secretary Landgraf assured that the closing of the hospital would not result in any layoffs, and commended the staff for their dedication and smooth handling of the transition.
In the months following the relocation, the residents and their families were regularly contacted to provide assistance with any transition issues. Despite some residents expressing a desire to return to the Emily P. Bissell Hospital, the majority opted to remain in their new accommodations. This decision was influenced by factors such as proximity to family and the sense of comfort in their new living environments.
The former campus of the Emily P. Bissell Hospital spanned 50 acres and included not only the hospital but also administrative offices and Christiana Care's Evergreen Center, an adult day care services facility. During the evaluation period for alternative uses of the campus, the administrative space was utilized to provide temporary office space for other state employees. The Evergreen Center continued its operations without any contemplated changes, recognizing the importance of the facility and its surrounding open space to the community.
Galena, IL: Hospital Availability and Healthcare Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Future plans for the site
The Emily P. Bissell Hospital, founded in the early 1900s, was permanently closed in 2015. The 50-acre campus has been vacant since then.
The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has been evaluating alternative uses for the facility. During the evaluation period, DHSS used the facility's administrative space to provide temporary office space for other state employees. Christiana Care's Evergreen Center, an adult daycare service located on the campus, continued to be operational as well.
The future plans for the site are yet to be determined. However, the state health department will continue to evaluate alternative uses for the facility, taking into account the desires of the community and the character of the area.
The site has a rich history, with Emily Bissell herself devoting her life to helping those less fortunate. The hospital originally provided care for people diagnosed with tuberculosis and played an important role in caring for Delaware's most vulnerable residents.
The decision to close the hospital was made due to a declining census across DHSS' long-term care facilities and ongoing problems with the nursing facility's hot water system. The residents and staff of Emily Bissell were transitioned to other locations, and the state health department has been working to ensure their continued support during the transition.
Stroger Hospital Chicago: A Viable Option?
You may want to see also
