Lee Health is enhancing its new Fort Myers healthcare campus with a $150 million expansion, addressing the area’s rapid growth and increasing healthcare demands.

Located at 4453 Challenger Blvd., the 53-acre campus, which broke ground in January 2025, is now set to include a four-story, 118,000-square-foot patient tower and a 7,600-square-foot on-site childcare center for Lee Health team members.

This expansion will increase the hospital’s capacity by 92 beds, bringing the total to up to 260, including 48 acute care beds, 20 skilled nursing unit beds, and shelled space for an additional 24 acute care beds. The facility will also feature 10 operating rooms, a 44-bed emergency department, and up to 24 ICU beds. The addition of the childcare center will accommodate approximately 114 children, up from 80 in the current facility, providing affordable, subsidized care for Lee Health staff.

The expansion aims to meet the growing healthcare needs of Southwest Florida’s rapidly expanding population. Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci emphasized the organization’s commitment to being the region’s leading healthcare provider by ensuring the infrastructure, technology, and compassionate care teams are in place to serve residents and visitors effectively.

The first phase of the expanded campus is expected to open in 2028, with the childcare center anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025. This development underscores Lee Health’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and community partnership in shaping the future of healthcare in Southwest Florida.

Source:  Gulfshore Business