Expansion of Cape Coral Hospital, New Outpatient Facility and Other Changes Increase Access to Healthcare
October 7, 2021 – Lee Health is investing nearly $150 million to expand Cape Coral Hospital and bring additional health care services to the City of Cape Coral. At their Aug. 26 meeting, the Lee Health Board of Directors approved plans to expand the intensive care unit (ICU) at Cape Hospital, add additional treatment bays in the Emergency Department and purchase a 22.7-acre parcel of land in the city. Other new projects are also underway.
The 12-bed expansion of the ICU increases the number of available beds from 22 to 34. The expansion of the emergency department creates six additional treatment bays and a 12-bed observation unit, which allows patients to be monitored for up to 24 hours without being admitted to the hospital.
Lee Health anticipates using the newly acquired land in the city to build an innovative health care facility similar to Lee Health Coconut Point, which opened in Estero in December of 2018. Lee Health Coconut Point offers a combination of physician offices, diagnostic testing, pharmacy, laboratory, emergency department, outpatient surgery, observation beds and other health care services. Lee Health plans to bring the same convenience to its new facility in Cape Coral.
“Cape Coral is the largest city in our region, and one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida. Lee Health is committed to providing the best quality health care for our patients, and these expansions of services will transform how health care is delivered in the city,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president & CEO of Lee Health. “Lee Health Coconut Point currently meets more than 90% of the health care needs of the Estero-Bonita Springs area, and we expect to bring the same level of care to the residents of Cape Coral.”
In addition to the planned expansions, Cape Coral Hospital is poised to become a teaching hospital as Lee Health will soon launch its internal medicine residency program at Cape Coral Hospital. This program, in partnership with the Florida State University College of Medicine, will provide top-tier training and bring more highly-skilled doctors to our area. This is Lee Health’s second physician residency program, and the family medicine program based at Lee Memorial Hospital has proven effective at retaining highly-trained doctors in Southwest Florida. When it reaches full capacity, the internal medicine residency program will house 36 residents.
“The City of Cape Coral is excited for this opportunity to expand our partnership with Lee Health. These projects will bring more jobs and more health care access to the citizens of our community,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter.
The Lee Health Board of Directors also approved a plan to construct a new building on the southeast corner of Palm Tree Boulevard and Cape Coral Parkway. Known as Bimini Basin, this project will include a large medical office footprint and apartment units located on top of the medical space. This project brings access to high-quality medical care to an area of Cape Coral that is currently underserved.
The popular outpatient facility at Surfside is also growing. With a 14,000 square foot expansion, Surfside is adding to its list of convenient services to provide health care close to home. Surfside features primary care physician offices, radiology, lab services, specialty offices for allergies and Lee Health’s Breast Health Center. This expansion will bring more specialty services to Cape Coral and a comprehensive rehabilitation center. Additional outpatient services coming to Cape Coral as part of this major investment in the city’s health care include expanded mental health services for children and an oncology infusion center.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
