Enhancing Emergency Care at Bayhealth, Kent Campus
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Bayhealth is advancing a strategic expansion and redesign of the Kent Campus Emergency Department (ED) to better serve our growing community. This initiative addresses critical challenges in patient flow, wait times and overall experience—ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care when they need it most.
By modernizing the Kent ED, we are strengthening both patient experience and operational efficiency, while reinforcing our commitment to exceptional, equitable care.
KEY OUTCOMES
Improved Patient Experience: A more efficient care environment will mean faster triage, shorter stays and timely treatment. A new Low-Acuity Unit will allow patients with less serious conditions to be treated quickly and comfortably.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Currently, 2.44% of patients leave the Kent ED without being seen—80% due to long wait times. This project directly addresses these challenges, helping ensure more patients receive the care they need.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
With nearly $3 million raised to date, philanthropic support is helping advance this critical project. The Kent ED remains a vital access point for care by providing compassionate, high-quality treatment to every patient, regardless of ability to pay.
Reduced Wait Times: With improved throughput and 10 new treatment bays, patients will move more efficiently from arrival to discharge effectively minimizing delays and improving access to care.
EXPANDED IMPACT
Behavioral Health Support: An enhanced Behavioral Health Crisis Unit will provide a safe, calming environment for patients in crisis—supporting stabilization, reducing unnecessary admissions and improving outcomes.
Serving a Diverse Community: The Kent ED serves a broad and diverse population, with nearly 48% of patients identifying as persons of color and more than 4,000 uninsured patients treated annually. This project strengthens our ability to deliver equitable, compassionate care to every patient.
A Critical Community Resource: Patient volumes continue to rise, exceeding 53,000 visits annually, placing increased demand on emergency services. This expansion will improve capacity, support clinical teams and enhance patient outcomes.
Scan to support the Kent ED today.