June 22, 2022 — Gulf Coast Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) has earned the 2022 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award from American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The local facility was one of only 14 in Florida and 180 across the U.S., including 151 skilled nursing care centers, 26 assisted living communities, and 3 skilled nursing/assisted living providers in 40 states, to achieve the award. All three of Lee Health’s skilled nursing locations now hold the Bronze Award.
HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center received the award in 2020 and Lee Memorial Hospital’s skilled nursing unit earned the recognition in 2021.
The Bronze Award is the first of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, a comprehensive organizational assessment and recognition program for long-term care providers. Each application is reviewed and judged against a set of nationally recognized standards for achieving excellence.
“We are extremely pleased to earn this recognition,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health. “This award reflects our commitment to provide quality care for patients who require skilled nursing care and rehabilitation outside the hospital setting.”
The National Quality Awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 73rd Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tenn., October 9-12, 2022. Florida award recipients will also be recognized during Florida Health Care Association’s 2022 Annual Conference & Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, July 31-August 4 as part of the Quality Award Ceremony and Celebration.
Located on Plantation Road adjacent to Gulf Coast Medical Center, the 75-bed SNU welcomed its first patients in early 2019. With its opening, the total number of skilled nursing beds in the Lee Health system increased to 205, offering patients access to state-of-the-art rehab equipment and high quality nursing care as they work toward returning to their previous lifestyle prior to their hospital stay.
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.
