In a significant leap for medical excellence, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) have joined forces to establish a premier orthopedic surgical facility in North Naples. This collaboration, bolstered by substantial philanthropy, aims to revolutionize musculoskeletal care in Southwest Florida, ensuring residents receive top-tier treatment without leaving their community.

Elevating Musculoskeletal Care in Southwest Florida with Unmatched Expertise and Philanthropy

A Visionary Partnership

The collaboration between two renowned healthcare institutions, HSS and NCH, marks a pivotal moment for Southwest Florida’s medical landscape. The partnership was solidified with a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023, signaling the commencement of construction on the Patty & Jay Baker Pavilion. This state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot hospital will offer comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services, including advanced imaging, rehabilitation, and a cutting-edge ambulatory surgical center. Patty and Jay Baker, both influential figures in their respective organizations, were instrumental in facilitating this partnership. Their $20 million matching grant has not only accelerated the project but also inspired further contributions from other philanthropists. The Bakers’ commitment to enhancing local healthcare is evident in their dedication to ensuring that residents can access world-class orthopedic care within their own community.

Philanthropy Drives Progress

In January, the project received another major boost with a $7.5 million donation from The Kapnick Foundation. This generous contribution will support the development of the ambulatory surgical center, which will serve as the cornerstone of HSS’s collaboration with NCH. Scott Kapnick, a board member of HSS, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to provide greater access to high-quality musculoskeletal care for Southwest Florida residents.The Kapnick gift is just one example of the community’s unwavering support for this transformative initiative. To date, NCH has raised $40.5 million from 272 donors, bringing the project closer to its $76 million philanthropic goal. Additional donations from Verne and Judy Istock, Paula Jo and Robert Boykin, and Ann and Tom Stallkamp have also played crucial roles in meeting the Baker Challenge and sustaining momentum for the project.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology

The new hospital will be equipped with the latest advancements in medical technology, thanks in part to collaborations with industry leaders like Arthrex. The facility will feature a 20,000-square-foot ambulatory surgical center with five operating rooms on the first floor, designed to handle a wide range of orthopedic procedures. The remaining 80,000 square feet will house clinic space, outpatient rehabilitation services, 15 private inpatient beds, and five additional operating rooms on the second floor. The third floor will be dedicated to MRI and CT imaging, ensuring patients have access to comprehensive diagnostic tools.Justin Blohm, vice president of HSS at NCH, provided an exclusive tour of the nearly completed hospital, highlighting the meticulous design and advanced equipment that will enhance patient care. The facility’s business model emphasizes efficiency and quality, aiming to deliver exceptional outcomes while reducing the need for travel to distant medical centers.

Empowering the Community

As the hospital prepares for its spring opening, the impact on the local community is already being felt. Residents will benefit from increased access to specialized orthopedic care, reducing the need for out-of-town travel and improving overall health outcomes. The hospital’s presence will also attract top-tier medical professionals to the area, fostering a hub of expertise and innovation in musculoskeletal health.Moreover, the project’s success underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping the future of healthcare. With continued support from philanthropists and local leaders, Southwest Florida is poised to become a leader in orthopedic excellence, setting a new standard for medical care in the region.