HCA Florida Healthcare has officially completed its acquisition of Lehigh Regional Medical Center in Lee County, marking a significant expansion in the region. As part of its growth plans, the healthcare provider is also moving forward with the construction of a new freestanding emergency center on Alico Road.

The hospital, located at 1500 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres, has been rebranded as HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital following the sale. According to county records, HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, secured the facility for $31.6 million. The 53-bed hospital has a long history, originally established in 1965. Prime Healthcare, headquartered in California, had owned the property since 2006, when it purchased the building for $6 million.

During the transition, Prime Healthcare initially announced the layoff of 294 employees, though they were offered positions with HCA. An HCA spokesperson later confirmed that 300 employees successfully transferred to the new ownership.

Beyond the hospital purchase, HCA Florida Healthcare is deepening its investment in Lee County with a brand-new freestanding emergency room on Alico Road near Three Oaks Parkway. Named HCA Florida Alico Emergency, the facility is slated to open next year, further expanding access to emergency care in the area.

With these developments, HCA’s total financial commitment in Lee County now stands at $134.5 million. This includes its existing freestanding emergency centers: HCA Florida Cape Coral Emergency and HCA Florida West Fort Myers Emergency.

HCA’s continued expansion aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and meet the growing medical needs of the community.

Source:  Business Observer