FORT MYERS, Fla. — Today, Gulf Coast Medical Center staff held a small ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new 52 bed intensive care unit. Another milestone in the ongoing hospital expansion, the new unit encompasses two floors – a second floor medical and surgical ICU and third floor neuro ICU – to better care for patients with specialized needs. The new ICU unit opened ahead of schedule and is in preparation for the relocation of Lee Health’s trauma program to Gulf Coast Medical Center later this year.
“With the continued growth that is expected throughout Southwest Florida, the new ICU unit allows us to enhance patient care and improve our system-wide bed capacity efforts,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, Lee Health president & CEO. “The expanded unit is another way Lee Health is demonstrating its commitment to provide the best service and care for our patients.”
Both floors are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and feature two negative air pressure rooms, a bariatric lift room, expansive family waiting area, large equipment room, medication room, nourishment center for patients and families and numerous physical therapy substations.
Additionally, boom rooms maximize efficiency and minimize clutter to provide easy access to electrical power, data services and more. High tech electronic computer boards provide staff members with up to the minute statuses on patient conditions and each floor is staffed with its own pharmacist and pharmacy station. All rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and provide an abundance of natural light.
Gulf Coast Medical Center has recently undergone a series of transformations – part of a $347-million-dollar expansion project – with the final phase set to complete later this year.
Gulf Coast Medical Center is a certified comprehensive stroke center. The hospital was recently awarded the highest national marks for safe care by The Leapfrog Group. Along with Lee Health’s three other adult acute care hospitals, Gulf Coast Medical Center earned an ‘A’ grade for the fourth straight report card.
For more information, visit LeeHealth.org.
