Submitted by Cheryl Garn, Strategic Communications and Public Relations, Lee Health, Photos by Alina B Photography
Housed within HealthPark Medical Center since 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital grew to become a 101-bed ‘hospital within a hospital.’ But the ever-increasing demand for pediatric services and more specialized care spawned the need for a stand-alone facility. In 2010, with a projected price tag of $202 million, Lee Health launched a five-year, $100 million capital campaign to build ‘America’s Newest Children’s Hospital.’ B. Thomas Golisano, a Naples resident and noted philanthropist, issued a $20 million dollar-for-dollar grant challenge to the Southwest Florida community. From neighborhood lemonade stands to celebrity golf tournament fundraisers, to businesses, civic groups, faith organizations and caring individuals, gifts from across the region were earmarked for the campaign. In 14 months, our community raised $20 million to match Mr. Golisano’s $20 million. Then, in October 2016, a gift from the SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. for $2.4 million, and pledge for an additional $1 million brought the campaign to a close.
On April 1, 2017, Lee Health invited the community to see its new children’s hospital, at a grand opening celebration. 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, on seven floor levels, each themed and color coded for easy navigation.
A dedicated pediatric emergency department with its own ambulance entrance will be staffed by pediatric emergency physicians 24/7. Other new features include:
- A classroom where children can continue their studies in an educational environment while in the hospital; a certified teacher is on staff, as well
- A family room
- Outdoor garden with colorful statues and areas for meditation and respite for families
- Family resource center
- Family laundry facility
- 64-room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Milk lab
- Chapel
- 2 new MRI units
- Acute care pediatric rehab area
- Interactive displays throughout the building
Golisano Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami that is an active member of both the Children’s Hospital Association and the Florida Association of Children’s Hospital, and was one of only nine nationwide named a 2016 Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group.
More than 70 pediatric specialists—in most major pediatric specialties—are on staff who have advanced training to treat children and adolescents and their families, including:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Pediatric Psychology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pediatric Behavioral Developmental Medicine
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Pediatric General Surgery
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
