A new hospital planned for Cape Coral will bring a major medical facility to the city by 2029. The project, a $300 million development, is currently in the planning stages. HCA Florida Healthcare and city officials announced the initiative to expand healthcare access in Lee County.
Location and Scope of the New Facility
The new hospital will occupy a 200,000-square-foot site at 322 SW Pine Island Road. This location is where the current HCA Florida Cape Coral Emergency department is located. The site will be expanded to include inpatient and outpatient services, creating a full medical center.
The three-story building will feature an emergency department, operating rooms, and a cardiac catheterization lab. Phase one will include up to 100 acute care beds. The design allows for expansion as the community’s needs grow over time.
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Expanding Network in Southwest Florida
HCA Florida Healthcare is expanding its network across the region. The development is part of a larger strategy to improve care access in Lee County. This project follows the acquisition of HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital and the opening of other new emergency locations in the area.
According to Jyric Sims, the president of HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division, the project is a critical step. “Building HCA Florida Cape Coral Hospital is an important step in HCA Florida Healthcare’s broader strategy to expand access to care in Lee County,” Sims said in a statement.
The new center will provide emergency and inpatient care, surgical and cardiovascular services, as well as imaging and outpatient options. It will employ 330 to 350 full-time staff members upon completion. This construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take approximately two years to finish.
For the residents of Cape Coral, the arrival of a second hospital changes the local healthcare setting significantly. Currently, patients in the area must travel to Fort Myers for many advanced procedures. This facility will keep critical care much closer to home. The ability to receive cardiac catheterization and specialized surgery locally removes a major logistical barrier for seniors and those with chronic conditions. It also reduces the strain on local ambulances, as more urgent cases can be treated within the city limits rather than being transported long distances.
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Municipal Support and Future Goals
Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter emphasized the importance of this development. He noted that expanding healthcare has been a priority during his term. “One of my priorities as mayor has been the importance of expanding healthcare in Cape Coral,” Gunter stated. “More specifically, my goal has been to bring a second hospital to our community.”
The mayor praised the partnership with HCA Florida. He believes the collaboration will allow the city to serve its population better in the coming years. The project is expected to fulfill a major long-term goal for local leadership.
When the hospital opens, it will become the 19th facility in the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. The parent company operates 50 hospital campuses across the state. HCA Healthcare reported $75.6 billion in revenue in 2025. The project represents a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure and public health.