ChristianaCare to Build Advanced Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Newark, DE

ChristianaCare has received approval from the Delaware Health Resources Board to build a new, freestanding acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Newark—marking a significant step forward in expanding access to high quality rehabilitation care across Delaware.

The 92,000 square foot, 73-bed facility represents a $75 million investment and will enable ChristianaCare to care for roughly 1,000 additional patients each year with complex rehabilitation needs, bringing advanced services closer to home for more Delawareans. ChristianaCare will partner with Delaware-based Onix Group — an established leader in post acute facility development and operations — to build and operate the facility. The project is part of ChristianaCare’s $865 million investment in Delaware over the next three years and underscores the organization’s commitment to expanding services and improving health outcomes statewide. The new rehabilitation hospital will be located at 140 Red Mill Road in Newark, just 2.5 miles from ChristianaCare’s Newark campus.

“For more than 30 years, ChristianaCare has provided world-class rehabilitation services at the Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital. As one of the highest-quality programs in the region, these services are in high demand, but our ability to grow has been constrained by the space limitations in Wilmington Hospital," said Bradley Sandella, D.O., MBA, clinical leader of ChristianaCare’s Medical Subspecialties service line. "This new facility will enable us to expand access to care in a new state-of-the-art facility that's designed specifically for the experts at our Center for Rehabilitation and the patients they care for.” The new facility will offer a full range of inpatient rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. Patients will also have access to music and recreational therapy, specialized care for traumatic brain injuries and support for higher-complexity cases. The center will include on-site imaging and diagnostics, such as X-ray, ultrasound and swallowing studies. It will also feature advanced technology, including the Bioness electric stimulation system and exoskeleton devices.

ChristianaCare’s current Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital is regionally and nationally recognized for exceptional 24/7 care for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, trauma, spinal cord injuries and joint replacement. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and rated the top rehab provider in Delaware by Newsweek. The new facility will transition the current 40 licensed beds from the Center for Rehabilitation and add 33 more, significantly expanding capacity. As rehabilitation care moves to Newark, the space at Wilmington Hospital will be repurposed as an inpatient step down unit, which will improve patient flow, ease pressure on the Emergency Department and free up hospital beds. This change expands clinical services at Wilmington Hospital and strengthens its role as a vital community resource while enhancing care for the patients and communities we serve. Delaware’s population over age 65 is projected to grow more than 30% in the next decade, with New Castle County expected to grow 33%. The new facility is projected to serve an additional 1,000 patients in its first year and double that by year five. “We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare on this freestanding rehabilitation facility,” said Elizabeth Price, senior vice president, Administration and Clinical Services for the Onix Group. “Together, we will create a facility that combines modern design, advanced technology and exceptional patient care to support patients and families through recovery and set a new standard for rehabilitation in the region.”

ChristianaCare and the Onix Group anticipate groundbreaking in early 2027, with an expected opening in summer 2028. The facility is projected to create approximately 122 new jobs, supporting the local economy while meeting the growing needs of the community. The new rehabilitation facility builds on ChristianaCare’s legacy of clinical excellence and innovation. It marks another important step in expanding access to care and advancing the health and well-being of Delaware communities for generations to come.