Gulf Coast Medical Center Expansion Project Funded
(Fort Myers, Fla. – Aug. 10, 2017) — The Lee Health Board of Directors approved a $306,293,011 expenditure—the final funding request for a major expansion of Gulf Coast Medical Center. This amount includes construction costs, furnishings, equipment and information systems required to complete the project, which will add 367,500 square feet to the existing 531,000-square-foot facility. In addition to the substantial increase in square footage, the project will add 268 new inpatient beds to the hospital for a total of 624. The funding passed with full support from the Lee Health Board of Directors.
Dave Kistel, Lee Health Vice President of Facility Management, says the Board of Directors has already funded $41,305,071. “Of the project costs already incurred, the six-level, 1,300-space parking garage, which cost $19,444,055 and opened earlier this month, has been the most significant physical change on the campus of Gulf Coast Medical Center,” Kistel says. “Now, with the funding approved, we can move forward with this exciting project that will help us better meet the medical needs of our community.”
The project also includes the relocation of the Trauma Center, now located at Lee Memorial Hospital, and allows for the growth of several departments. Following the completion of the project, specific, high-acuity services will move from Lee Memorial Hospital to Gulf Coast Medical Center. Total cost of the expansion and renovation project is $347,598,082.
“As medical technology advances, Lee Memorial Hospital has infrastructure limitations—such as ceiling heights, room sizes, available land and mechanical systems—that cannot accommodate the equipment necessary for complex medical services,” says Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, Lee Health President & CEO. “While Lee Memorial Hospital remains a vital part of our health system, it is wise and fiscally responsible to house the more complex medical services in new, state-of-the-art facilities. At Lee Memorial Hospital, we will focus on lower acuity inpatient services, as well as wellness, outpatient and chronic care management services.”
The Gulf Coast Medical Center expansion is expected to be completed by 2021.
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
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