STAMFORD – As part of a $275 million comprehensive plan to transform its Bennett Medical Center campus where Stamford Hospital is located, Stamford Health plans to build a 73,000-square-foot, free standing Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center on the southwest corner of the campus.
Stamford Health cited the growing number of cancer diagnoses and the increasing number of effective treatments as a reason for the expansion. The health care company said it needed to evolve alongside the excellence of its clinical care, which is delivered as part of a collaboration with Dana Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
It also plans to expand the existing Bennett Cancer Center space into a two-floor behavioral health facility that will increase capacity and introduce a Partial Hospitalization Program along with outpatient psychiatric services. Two other facets of the expansion include relocating the Van Munching Inpatient Rehabilitation unit to the fourth floor of Stamford Hospital from its location in the oldest building on the campus. The new unit will feature 20 private rooms, specialized spaces for brain injury care, advanced physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment and enhanced recreational areas.
Preceding this new plan, Stamford Health expanded inpatient behavioral health capacity and opened an outpatient behavioral health practice, serving adults and offering special programs for geriatric, prenatal & postpartum and oncology patients, with pediatric services coming soon. These initiatives, and additional investments in behavioral health services including a soon-to-come pediatric crisis program, have been supported by philanthropy and a $750,000 grant from the federal government.
Additionally, to support the campus expansion, Stamford Health will improve parking for patients, staff and visitors.
“As an independent health system, we are proud to continue growing and investing in our facilities and staff,” said Kathleen Silard, Stamford Health president and CEO. “That, coupled with our outstanding quality and patient experience recognitions, sets us apart from any other health system in Connecticut. We are incredibly grateful to our donors and the state, who recognize the quality of care we provide by supporting our work.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with phased-in openings of the new facilities over the next several years.
The Stamford Hospital Foundation will conduct a major philanthropic campaign to fund a significant portion of the project.
“This plan represents a transformational step for Stamford Health and the patients and families we serve,” said Liz Longmore, Stamford Health executive vice president and COO. “It reflects our commitment to delivering world-class care across oncology, behavioral health, and rehabilitation, while creating modern, state-of-the-art spaces that ensure our patients continue to receive the highest-quality care, close to home.”
