NCH North Hospital to Undergo 0 Million Expansion for Pediatric and Maternal Care
In a significant development for healthcare access in Collier County, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has announced a 0 million expansion project at its North Hospital, aimed at enhancing pediatric and maternal health services. This initiative, revealed on January 20, 2023, marks a strategic collaboration between NCH, the largest healthcare provider in Collier County, and Miami’s renowned Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
The expansion will introduce a state-of-the-art, four-story complex on the NCH North Hospital campus, aimed at elevating specialized care for women and children in the region. Currently, NCH North Hospital houses the only labor, delivery, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Collier County, and this expansion is expected to further bolster its capabilities.
A significant part of this project has been made possible by a substantial donation from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation, although the specific amount has not been disclosed at the foundation’s request. In recognition of this philanthropic support, NCH will restructure its existing women and children’s program to become The Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children. Additionally, the new tower will be named The Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children, reflecting its focus on family-centered healthcare.
Covering 156,000 square feet, the new pavilion will be strategically located above the existing emergency departments, designed to feature modern labor and delivery suites, advanced operating rooms, and specialized maternal-fetal medicine services. Importantly, it will also house a level three NICU, which is critical for caring for very premature or critically ill newborns. The design includes a new parking garage and a rooftop helipad for swift patient transport, addressing logistical challenges often faced in medical emergencies.
To fund approximately 80% of the expansion cost through philanthropy, NCH and Nicklaus Children’s have launched a joint fundraising initiative prior to breaking ground. Julia Van Domelen emphasized the goal of the pavilion and the institute in creating an integrated network of healthcare support. She stated, “When families leave the hospital, they should be set up for success. Through this model of wraparound services, we believe we can help ensure long-term health and well-being for generations to come.”
Collier County, home to over 65,000 children—a number projected to increase by 4% in the next five years—will benefit significantly from this expansion. Currently, NCH North Hospital delivers nearly 3,700 babies annually and maintains the only pediatric emergency department in the county.
This ambitious plan aims to streamline care delivery, reducing wait times and improving coordination between hospital teams and community healthcare providers. Matthew Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, stated, “Together with NCH, we are excited to bring nationally recognized pediatric expertise closer to home.”
Importantly, under the agreement, NCH will continue to operate as an independent, nonprofit health system, with Nicklaus Children’s serving as a clinical affiliate in pediatric care. This partnership is poised to redefine the standard of care available to women and children in Collier County, robustly supporting the community’s healthcare infrastructure for years to come.
