Healthcare advocates, legislators vow to improve system

A bipartisan group of legislative leaders and representatives from the healthcare industry gathered on the east steps of Legislative Hall in Dover March 20, to show their shared commitment to improve healthcare in Delaware.

The declining number of primary care physicians, the need for nurse safety and more services for the state’s aging population were some of the issues the group raised.

Senate Minority Whip Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, said the group is among the thought-leaders who think outside the box.

“In Sussex County, we have experienced growth that we didn’t think was possible,” he said. “The retirees moving to Sussex County have problems that 20 years ago we weren’t treating as much in the most southern county.”

There are more people now who have more complex medical cases, and the healthcare system needs to adjust, he said.

“For too long, we’ve been reactive, and it’s time that we can turn the page and be proactive for the needs of all Sussex Countians,” he said. “We’re on the tip of a crisis … We have to do what we can do to look at the problem, solve it, and do what’s best for the people in our communities.”

Healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable, he said.

Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown, a registered nurse who works in the healthcare industry, said she looks forward to working with other professionals in a cross-functional team collaboration – dubbed the First State Healthcare Leaders Alliance – to improve healthcare outcomes for residents.

“This will be the way we better serve Delaware and make the First State first,” she said.