Milton offers new healthcare hub

The need for medical services continues to grow in central Sussex, leading Milton Medical Park to add services with plans to build new offices.

Kristin Patterson, park manager and Ocean Medical Imaging office manager, said five more doctors recently started seeing patients at the park, and plans are in the works to bring in two new offices, which will be housed in a new 3,500 square foot building.

"Just a few years ago, Milton had one physician. Now the area boasts more than 15 doctors and several physician assistants," said Patterson. "Since the medical park opened we have attracted five new physicians to the area."

In the coming months, Patterson hopes to get moving on the new medical facility, which will house doctors from the Wilmington area looking to have a satellite office in Sussex County, as well as doctors already practicing in Sussex County. The new facility will add experience and more healthcare options, said Patterson.

"When we decided to open here in Milton it was because we saw a huge need for physicians here," said Patterson. "With so many retirees and families moving to the region, they expect a certain level of care. We picked Milton because it's centrally located and I think other physicians are realizing that too."

Besides the medical park, other medical offices are also set in Milton, including Milton Pediatric and Adolescent Center, which recently added a new pediatrician, Dr. Maria Childers, and Bayhealth has an outpatient facility.

Patterson's husband, Dr. Jonathan "Doc" Patterson, runs Ocean Medical Imaging, where customers can get same-day results directly from their doctor. The facility is set up to be a comfortable option for those who don't want to go to a hospital for imaging.

Across from the imaging center is the first building to be built in Milton Medical Park. It houses Tidewater Physical Therapy, Scott Pediatrics and Milford Medical Associates Family Practice.

Richard Recicar, physical therapist, helps patients recuperate at Tidewater Physical Therapy. He chose the location because it is convenient for patients from Sussex and even Kent counties.

"I've been here for seven years, and my patients often say how grateful they are to have care close to home," said Recicar. "This area has a nice professional setting, and the services really complement each other."

Dr. Lowell Scott, a local pediatrician, also moved his practice to Milton.

"Here I was able to build a big, bright new office," said Scott. "It is a central location and easier for my patients to find me here."

When Milford Medical Associates decided to branch into Sussex County, Dr. Adam Brownstein chose Milton because he saw a need for family doctors.

"We serve patients from Milton, Georgetown and Lewes, even up to Milford, so this was a good location to serve people within a 20-mile radius," said Brownstein. "It's an under-served area, and they really needed primary care."

Other area doctors are now providing part-time services in the Milton Medical Park.

Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware now sees patients at the park. Dr. John Speiker, Dr. William Barrish and physician assistant, Henry Mensack, all see patients a few days each week in Milton.

"More than 35,000 patients are seen in the park each year," said Patterson. "That's a lot of people choosing to come into Milton. It is really becoming a healthcare hub in Sussex County."

For more information, contact Patterson at 302-684-5151 or visit www.oceanmedicalimaging.net.