Naples Golisano Children’s Health Center to Continue Operations in Naples Following Lease Agreement
Golisano Children’s Health Center Secures Future in Naples Following Lease Agreement
NAPLES, Fla. – The Golisano Children’s Health Center located in Naples has secured its operational future following the successful negotiation of a new lease agreement and the resolution of a legal dispute. Lee Health and NCH (Naples Community Hospital) made the announcement in a joint statement affirming the center’s continued commitment to serving children and families in Collier County, an area that relies heavily on its specialized pediatric services.
The Golisano Children’s Health Center, strategically situated at the intersection of Pine Ridge Road and Livingston Road, serves approximately 65,000 families in the Naples area. The facility is an essential part of the Golisano Children’s Hospital system and is known for its specialized care for children dealing with complex medical conditions, including oncology and neurological disorders.
In recent months, the center faced uncertainty after Lee Health received an eviction notice from Miami-based Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which owns the facility. The notice required Lee Health to vacate the premises by April 4, 2025. However, after discussions, Nicklaus chose not to enforce the eviction. Despite the positive resolution, no specific details about future arrangements between the two institutions have been disclosed.
The implications of the center’s fate were deeply felt throughout the community, highlighted by advocates such as oncology nurse Lacey Stoller, who initiated a petition urging stakeholders to preserve the facility. This grassroots effort reflected wider concerns from families who view the center as a crucial resource for children with specific healthcare needs.
One such family, led by Brandi Woolington, expressed profound anxiety about potentially losing local access to pediatric care. Woolington’s teenage daughter is diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that necessitates ongoing medical intervention. The Woolington family, like many others, feared that closure of the center would force families to seek care far from home, which could compromise the safety and continuity of their children’s treatment plans.
The joint statement from Lee Health and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital emphasized their shared commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the children of Collier County. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to enhance pediatric care in the community,” the statement affirmed.
As the Golisano Children’s Health Center continues to operate, it stands as a critical pillar of healthcare for families in the region, underscoring the vital role of collaboration between healthcare providers in ensuring that essential services are accessible to those in need.
For further details, refer to the related coverage regarding community efforts to retain the facility here.
