NCH's North Naples hospital tests AquaFence flood barriers ahead of hurricane season

NORTH NAPLES, Fla. —

A hospital on the Gulf Coast is adding a new layer of protection ahead of hurricane season.

NCH health care system is installing AquaFence systems at its North Naples hospital, with plans to add them at its downtown campus as well. Officials say it’s the first hospital in Southwest Florida to use this type of system.

The barriers stand about 4 feet tall and are designed to hold back floodwater during major storms. They are also built to withstand 140-mph winds and fast-moving water.

Crews tested the system this week, part of preparations after past hurricanes brought water dangerously close to the hospital.

"Back in 2021, we realized that our campuses are at risk of flooding," said Jennifer Smith, administrative director of emergency operations at NCH.

During past hurricanes, NCH says floodwaters reached up to two feet in parking areas near the hospital.

The concern is what could happen if water gets inside, especially on the first floor, where much of the hospital’s critical equipment is located.

"We can move the people, but we can’t always move the equipment. I can’t move a CAT scan or an MRI or things like that," Smith said.

The AquaFence system is custom-built for the hospital and anchored into the ground. Once water pushes against the barriers, the pressure helps keep them in place, creating a seal to prevent flooding inside.

AquaFence officials say the system has been tested to handle strong storm conditions and has already proven effective elsewhere.

At Tampa General Hospital, similar barriers were used during recent hurricanes to keep the facility dry, allowing doctors to continue performing surgeries.

"They were able to do 30 major surgeries during the hurricanes while we were keeping the hospital dry. One of those was an organ transplant as well," said Oscar Skjaerpe with AquaFence.

NCH leaders say the goal is to be ready before the next storm arrives, protecting patients, staff, and critical equipment.

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