Fort Myers, FL – April 3, 2017 – America’s newest children’s hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, debuted to the community during a grand opening Saturday, April 1, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. The new, child-friendly facility is located next to HealthPark Medical Center on Bass Road.
“We are so excited to finally open the doors of our new children’s hospital to the Southwest Florida community, so they can see the fruits of their labors,” says Kathy Bridge-Liles, Chief Administrative Officer of Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
“From neighborhood lemonade stand proceeds and, literally, piggybanks, to celebrity golf tournaments and major philanthropic gifts, the community has given selflessly to help build this very special place, so children can receive the care they need, close to home.”
“It's hard to believe that it was just four years ago that we launched the challenge to communities in Southwest Florida to raise money to build a new state-of-the-art children’s hospital to serve the children and families in this area with the best care possible close to home,” said Tom Golisano. “The new Golisano Children’s Hospital will soon be welcoming those in need of care. I am honored to be able to help make this new critical resource available for children in Southwest Florida.”
The building encompasses nearly 300,000 square feet and consolidates into one location the medical and ancillary specialty services required to treat critically ill or injured children in a five-county region. A total of 128 patient beds will be available at the new hospital, with future expansion capabilities up to 160 beds.
A dedicated pediatric emergency department with its own ambulance entrance will be staffed by pediatric emergency physicians 24/7. Other new features include:
The hospital will actually open for patients in early May, following several weeks of staff orientation, training and simulation exercises in the new spaces. For more information about Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida visit LeeHealth.org/childrens-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
