HCA to build new hospital in Cape Coral
For years, Cape Coral city officials and residents have been clamoring for a new hospital in the city. With the population now well over 200,000, it has become a necessity.
Friday, at a new conference at Cape Coral City Hall, it was announced that the city’s prayers are finally going to be answered.
Health Care America Florida Healthcare announced plans to build HCA Florida Cape Coral Hospital, a full-service hospital that will expand access to healthcare services for residents of Cape Coral and surrounding communities.
Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter said the city has always taken public safety seriously, and that residents have asked for a new hospital for years. This hospital will become a critical aspect to that safety.
“This is an important piece to the puzzle we’re putting together,” Gunter said. “One of my priorities was expanding health care in our community. My goal was to bring a second hospital to the city.”
Gunter tried to forge a partnership and establish economic opportunities in the city and bring higher paying jobs while broadening the city’s emergency and acute-care services.
“Our first responders are frequently required to transport residents outside of the city for critical care,” Gunter said. “This puts our residents at risk during a person’s most vulnerable moments.”
Gunter said Lee Health did not have a new hospital in the city in its immediate plans. That’s when he contacted HCA, who had already built an emergency center here, and asked if they would be interested in a partnership with the city.
“The city has always had a desire to bring in a second hospital. Unfortunately, the last time we spoke with Lee Health, it wasn’t in their five-year capital plan,” Gunter said. “I can appreciate that. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in our plan. HCA was already here and thought they could be a great partner.”
Jyric Sims, president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, said Gunter was persistent and key to bringing about change in the city.
“With the growing and expanding population of Cape Coral, this will be our 19th hospital in HCA Healthcare West Florida Division,” Sims said. “This is also part of a larger investment in Lee County in general.”
The planned hospital will be at 322 S.W. Pine Island Road, where HCA Florida Cape Coral Emergency currently operates. The project will expand the existing emergency care site into a hospital with inpatient and outpatient services to bring care to the growing city.
The planned three-story hospital is slated to include approximately 200,000 square feet. Phase one is expected to include up to 100 acute care beds, an emergency department, operating rooms and a cardiac catheterization lab, with future capacity to expand as community needs grow.
Planned services include emergency care, surgical services, cardiovascular services, inpatient care, outpatient services and imaging.
The project represents an estimated $300 million investment in Cape Coral. Gunter said it will create at least 350 full-time jobs and boost nearby businesses.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the hospital anticipated to open in 2029.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com