ChristianaCare's $75M Rehab Hospital to Reshape Delaware Healthcare

NEWARK, DE – March 30, 2026 – ChristianaCare has secured state approval for a landmark $75 million project to construct a new, freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Newark, a move poised to significantly expand advanced recovery services and address the mounting healthcare needs of a growing and aging population.

In a strategic partnership with the Delaware-based Onix Group, a leader in post-acute facility development, ChristianaCare will build a 92,000-square-foot, 73-bed hospital on Red Mill Road. The facility is projected to serve approximately 1,000 additional patients each year with complex rehabilitation needs, from stroke and traumatic brain injury to spinal cord injuries and joint replacement recovery. This major development is a cornerstone of ChristianaCare’s broader $865 million investment plan for Delaware over the next three years, signaling a deep commitment to enhancing the state's healthcare infrastructure and economic vitality.

Addressing a Critical Community Need

The decision to build the new hospital is a direct response to pressing demographic shifts and capacity constraints. Delaware’s population over the age of 65 is projected to surge by more than 30 percent in the coming decade, with New Castle County alone anticipating a 33 percent increase. This demographic trend is expected to drive a substantial rise in demand for the specialized rehabilitation services the new hospital will provide.

For over three decades, ChristianaCare’s Center for Rehabilitation at Wilmington Hospital has been a top-rated provider, earning national recognition for its quality of care. However, its success has led to overwhelming demand, pushing the current facility to its limits.

“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 Dr. Bradley Sandella, 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 hospital will increase ChristianaCare's total inpatient rehabilitation capacity by adding 33 new beds to the 40 licensed beds that will be transitioned from Wilmington Hospital.

A New Standard in Rehabilitation and Recovery

The Newark facility is designed to be more than just an expansion; it represents a fundamental leap forward in the region's rehabilitation capabilities. The purpose-built hospital will offer a comprehensive suite of therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, complemented by innovative programs like music and recreational therapy.

It will be equipped with advanced technology to accelerate patient recovery. Planned technologies include the Bioness electric stimulation system, which helps patients regain muscle control and function, and sophisticated exoskeleton devices that assist with mobility and gait training. Furthermore, the inclusion of on-site imaging and diagnostics, such as X-ray, ultrasound, and specialized swallowing studies, will allow for immediate and integrated assessments, streamlining patient care and eliminating the need for transport to other facilities.

This focus on integrated, high-tech care ensures the hospital is prepared to handle the most complex cases, including patients recovering from severe trauma and brain injuries, providing a level of specialized support currently in short supply.

The Power of a Strategic Partnership

The collaboration between ChristianaCare, a major non-profit health system, and Onix Group, a private-sector specialist in post-acute care, is central to the project's vision. Onix Group brings over 30 years of experience in developing and operating healthcare facilities, including its network of Cadia Healthcare skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers.

Onix Group’s affiliated facilities have a proven track record of strong clinical performance. Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek, for example, has achieved discharge-to-community rates approaching 78%, a figure that significantly surpasses both Delaware and national averages. This demonstrated expertise in achieving positive patient outcomes is a key asset ChristianaCare is leveraging to ensure the new hospital’s operational success.

“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,” said Elizabeth Price, senior vice president of Administration and Clinical Services for the Onix Group. The partnership merges ChristianaCare's clinical excellence with Onix Group's developmental and operational acumen to deliver a premier care environment.

System-Wide Optimization and Economic Growth

The impact of the new rehabilitation hospital will extend far beyond its walls. The project enables a strategic reorganization within ChristianaCare that will improve efficiency across the entire health system. As the 40 rehabilitation beds move from Wilmington Hospital to the new Newark facility, the vacated space will be repurposed into a much-needed inpatient step-down unit.

This new unit will serve patients who no longer require acute hospital care but are not yet ready for discharge, helping to improve patient flow, alleviate pressure on the busy Emergency Department, and free up critical inpatient beds. This change enhances clinical services at Wilmington Hospital, reinforcing its role as a vital community asset while optimizing system-wide capacity.

Economically, the $75 million project is a significant boon for the region. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with an anticipated opening in the summer of 2028. The facility is projected to create approximately 122 new, permanent jobs, providing a boost to the local economy while meeting the community's growing healthcare demands. This investment underscores ChristianaCare's role not only as a healthcare provider but also as a major economic engine for the state of Delaware.