DE bill to move psychiatric hospital forward

Planning and construction for a new psychiatric hospital in Georgetown could be getting underway, but it depends on a votes in the state legislature. The project had been issued a certificate from the state health resources board, but the healthcare provider, Universal Health Services, filed a lawsuit to delay the process because it had too many questions about the proposal.

The 90-bed structure would be built right off Bridgeville road, across from Delaware Tech. A bill to authorize the project is up for a vote in the state senate and Senator Brian Pettyjohn says it is absolutely needed.

47 ABC spoke with Senator Pettyjohn and he says, “I speak with constituents all the time that have to go to Dover, that have to go to New Castle County in order to get the services they need. We should have something that is close to where they live, close to their support structures, to their families, their friends, that can help them get through the problems that they have and locating this hospital in Sussex County is something that’s been desperately needed for a long time.”

Senator Pettyjohn adds that they still have a lot to do as far as construction goes, but by passing this bill, it would allow them to move forward without delay. After passing the senate today, it will go to house of representatives next week.

Another issue that Senator Pettyjohn wants to face, the poverty rate in Delaware. The Republican Caucus introduced an agenda to help reduce poverty in the first state. Pettyjohn says it is an 11 point plan, but he doesn’t expect 11 pieces of legislation.  

He adds that they have been trying to resolve the issue for many years, but he believes they need to try something different than what they’ve done in the past. Pettyjohn hopes to create jobs, job training, as well as give people high tech training for high demand jobs.