With operating systems nearing or exceeding the end of their lifespan, DBHDS says it is more cost-effective to close the 50-year-old hospital than to renovate it, which could take two years.
RICHMOND – The state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services announced Friday that it plans to close the Hiram W. Davis Medical Center in Dinwiddie County by 2027.
In announcing the closure of the 50-year-old health centre, DBHDS said all systems were “at or beyond the end of their estimated lifespan”. In addition, the building’s design does not allow for phased renovations, meaning staff, residents and services would have to be relocated for up to two years while work is carried out.
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) announced today that it is beginning the process to close Hiram W. Davis Medical Center (HDMC) in Petersburg. HDMC has primarily provided acute medical care, skilled nursing care, and long-term care to Virginia residents seeking medical care at other DBHDS facilities.
“Given its current condition, which requires extensive repairs and renovations to maintain the highest level of care, closing the center is the best option,” DBHDS Commissioner Dr. Nelson Smith said in a statement.
Davis Medical Center, located on U.S. Route 1 next to Central State Hospital, provides medical, nursing and long-term care services to patients from other state mental hospitals. As of August 6, only 46 of the center’s 94 beds were occupied.
It is one of 12 inpatient medical centers operated by DBHDS throughout Virginia.
DBHDS chief medical officer Dr. Alexis Aplasca said the “complex medical needs” of Davis patients made it necessary to begin the closure process now in order to meet the 2027 goal.
“We understand that the closure of HDMC will impact the people we serve, staff, the local community and our larger service delivery system,” Aplasca said in the statement. “Therefore, the closure of HDMC will be gradual.”
The Davis Medical Center has not been renovated since it opened in 1974, DBHDS said.
Smith said DBHDS will work with patients’ families on optimal discharge options and maintain “open communication” with current Davis staff about employment opportunities elsewhere in the department.
“The health, safety and well-being of HDMC patients and staff remains our top priority,” Smith said.
No date was given for when DBHDS plans to begin closing the center.
Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist covering breaking news, government and politics. You can reach him at [email protected] or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.
