#United States #Nicklaus Children's #Naples, Florida #NCH #Van Domelen Pavilion

Major Expansion in Women's and Children's Healthcare in Southwest Florida

In a significant undertaking, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Nicklaus Children's Hospital have unveiled plans for a substantial enhancement in their services for women and children. This initiative, made feasible by a philanthropic contribution from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation, aims to establish the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children and construct the Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children on the NCH North Hospital campus.

Since its inception in 1956, NCH has continuously evolved to meet the growing healthcare demands of Southwest Florida. As the region witnesses a remarkable increase in population, particularly among families, this expansion is a critical response to ensuring residents receive top-tier care without having to travel far. Currently, Collier County is home to over 65,000 children, and demographic forecasts indicate a further 4% growth in the pediatric population over the next five years. NCH is already delivering nearly 3,700 babies annually, underscoring the community's reliance on its services.

Julia Van Domelen, a representative of the foundation, remarked that this gift symbolizes a pivotal enhancement in local healthcare. It reflects the foundation's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality medical care for women and children during crucial life stages. "This project is about ensuring families can find comprehensive care during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, without the need to leave their community," she emphasized.

Paul Hiltz, NCH President and CEO, expressed sincere gratitude for the Van Domelen family's dedication to the health system, noting, "This next step guarantees that all women and children in Southwest Florida can access outstanding health services in their own neighborhoods."

The foundation has a rich history of supporting NCH, enabling essential programs and services that save lives. These contributions include funding the Obstetric Emergency Department, specialized training for medical professionals, and supporting pivotal roles in pediatric care. With the new project, the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children will refocus these efforts into a unified model of care that addresses a comprehensive range of services, including maternal-fetal medicine, prenatal and postpartum consultations, pelvic health treatments, and pediatric subspecialization.

The Van Domelen Pavilion, set to span four stories and cover 156,000 square feet, is envisioned as a hub of clinical excellence. It will house modern facilities for labor and delivery, advanced operating rooms, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which are crucial for managing high-risk pregnancies and critically ill newborns. Additionally, a rooftop helipad will facilitate urgent care transport, emphasizing the facility's commitment to efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

This ambitious project represents a $350 million investment aimed at enhancing healthcare capacity in the community. NCH and Nicklaus Children's are collaborating to secure 80% funding through philanthropic channels, making community support vital in realizing this vision.

The initiative will not only improve healthcare availability but also strengthen partnerships with local organizations, promoting an integrated approach to health services. By aligning hospital care with behavioral health, social support, and preventive services, NCH is positioning itself as a comprehensive health provider tailored to the needs of women and children.

As a nonprofit institution, NCH relies heavily on community generosity to advance its services and infrastructure. The transformative contribution from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation marks a defining moment in this journey, emphasizing how community involvement is essential in fully realizing the potential and breadth of care available for women and children in Southwest Florida.

For more information about supporting this monumental undertaking and to learn more about the Van Domelen Pavilion and Institute, visit nchmd.org/WomenandChildren.

About NCH

NCH is a leading Advanced Community Healthcare System in Southwest Florida, recognized for its clinical excellence and extensive care network, providing a wide range of medical services across various specialties. The system consists of two main hospitals and numerous clinics, forming a comprehensive healthcare alliance dedicated to the community's health requirements.

About Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Nicklaus Children's has been dedicated to serving pediatric healthcare needs for over 75 years, maintaining its position as a prominent provider of specialized services for children in South Florida. The hospital is known for its high standards of care and has developed a network that spans the region, offering a variety of outpatient services.