Key Points:
- Naples Comprehensive Health is expanding with a $350M Van Domelen Pavilion for women’s and children’s healthcare.
- The project features advanced maternal and pediatric services, including a Level III NICU.
- Partnering with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NCH aims to improve care coordination and serve families locally.
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), in collaboration with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has announced a major expansion that will significantly elevate women’s and children’s healthcare services in Southwest Florida. The initiative, valued at more than $350 million, centers on the development of a new four-story facility at the NCH North Hospital campus in Naples. Designed to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs, the project aims to bring advanced maternal and pediatric services closer to home for thousands of families.
At the heart of the expansion is the creation of the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children, supported by a philanthropic gift from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation. While the foundation has chosen not to disclose the donation amount, NCH leaders described the contribution as transformative, enabling a long-term vision focused on comprehensive, family-centered care.
The new Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children will span approximately 156,000 square feet and will be constructed above the hospital’s existing emergency departments. Plans include modern labor and delivery suites, advanced operating rooms, expanded maternal-fetal medicine services, and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit capable of caring for critically ill newborns. Additional infrastructure upgrades, including a parking garage and rooftop helipad, will support emergency access and future growth.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Population
The expansion comes at a time when Collier County continues to experience steady population growth, including a rising number of young families. Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) North Hospital already delivers thousands of babies each year and operates the county’s only pediatric emergency department, placing increasing demand on existing facilities.
By integrating inpatient and outpatient services under one institute, the project is designed to streamline care across every stage of life—from prenatal and postnatal care to specialized pediatric treatment. Women’s health services will extend beyond childbirth, offering support in areas such as reproductive health, pelvic floor therapy, menopause care, and long-term wellness. Pediatric services will provide access to a wide range of subspecialties, including cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, surgery, genetics, and infectious disease care.
Hospital leaders emphasized that the goal is not only to expand capacity but also to improve care coordination, reduce wait times, and ensure families no longer need to travel outside the region for complex medical needs. The expanded model places equal emphasis on prevention, education, and continuity of care, strengthening long-term health outcomes for both mothers and children.
A Strategic Partnership Shaping the Future
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) will continue to operate as an independent nonprofit health system, with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital serving as a clinical partner for pediatric expertise. The partnership builds on an existing collaboration that has already enhanced pediatric care availability in Naples and surrounding communities.
Philanthropy remains a cornerstone of the project’s funding strategy. Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) plans to secure a significant portion of the total project cost through charitable contributions before construction begins. While an official groundbreaking timeline has not been announced, hospital leaders indicated that planning and fundraising efforts are progressing steadily.
Once completed, the expansion is expected to redefine women’s and children’s healthcare in Southwest Florida, creating a centralized, state-of-the-art hub designed to serve current needs while preparing for future generations. The initiative marks one of the largest healthcare investments in the region’s history, underscoring a long-term commitment to accessible, high-quality care for families across Naples and beyond.
