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NCH unveils plans for new hospital in Estero, residents oppose

Posted at 10:38 PM, Apr 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-27 08:45:12-04

Naples Community Hospital North is the one of the closest ER's for residents in Estero.  That may change in 2018 when not one, but two hospitals plan to open in the community.

Lee Health broke ground on an emergency treatment facility on the east side of Tamiami Trail next to Coconut Point Mall.  NCH is hoping to put its 40,000 square foot hospital, which will also include an ER across the street from the mall.

But people living here say putting a hospital here wouldn't save lives, it would risk them.

"With the Coconut Point mall across the street, we are literally taking our lives in our hands when entering and exiting our community," said Joyce Johnson.

Phil Douglas says putting two hospitals so close together makes no sense. "About a quarter of a mile away, with all the traffic, all the traffic, all the sirens, all the noise."

An executive with NCH declined to comment to Fox 4 on the matter.

The Estero Design Board says no decision will be made on the project until a later date.