NCH North unveils $300M pavilion for women, children in Collier County

NCH North announced an exciting new project that aims to expand care for women and children in Collier County. The institution is partnering with Nicklaus Children's to create the Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children.

The announcement highlighted two important components: the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children, a care model, and the future Van Domelen Pavilion, the building that would house it.

"Today with NCH, we are bringing nationally recognized pediatric expertise closer to home by creating an integrated, family-centered care model that will serve generations," said Matthew Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children's.

The planned four-story pavilion would be built above the existing emergency departments at NCH North. It will include labor and delivery services, operating rooms, and an expanded, higher-level NICU. The project is estimated to cost $300 million.

"This gift is about families, families like yours," said donor Julia Van Domelen. "It will ensure that women and children will receive the highest level of care close to home. It’s about prevention, connection, support at every stage of life."

NCH providers emphasized the importance of meeting the growing needs of Collier County by adding more beds and specialists.

"This is not only allowing us to have enough beds to suit our community, but also the specialists and sub-specialists needed to care for the families here locally," said Dr. Betsey Brothers of NCH.

"This is the biggest project of its kind right now," said Paul Hiltz, CEO of NCH. "Most OB units are closing in America. Very few are expanding. We’re not only expanding, we’re elevating and really going all in for women and children."

NCH stated that construction on the pavilion would begin once 80% of the funding is secured.