NCH Healthcare System

We were all smiles as we welcomed our dear friend and Naples philanthropist, Jay Baker, on a tour of the soon-to-be HSS at NCH Patty and Jay Baker Pavilion.

Thanks to Patty and Jay Baker's generosity, who set a $20 million challenge grant, this 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will offer outpatient and inpatient orthopedic services, including an ambulatory surgery center and imaging and rehabilitation services at the NCH North Naples campus. The targeted completion date is set for Spring 2025.

We must raise the remaining $35 million needed to bring this project to life. Join us in shaping the future of orthopedic care in Southwest Florida by clicking here -> https://bit.ly/3QhD0MV

Did you know owning a dog comes with pawsitive health benefits? Celebrate your furry friend today!

Do you have Florida Blue insurance? Act now to keep NCH in-network: StandWithNCH.com.

Congratulations to our NCH Medical Group Above & Beyond Winners!

The Above & Beyond Movement recognizes and rewards employees who go above and beyond in providing exceptional patient care. Each quarter, three NCH Medical Group practices are recognized for their performance on the patient experience measures.

⭐ Most Improved - Vascular Surgery Creekside
⭐ Top Performer - Concierge Vanderbilt
⭐ People's Choice - Bonita Sports Medicine

Now accepting patients for behavioral health!

Krissy English, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with specialized training in Behavioral Health and Family Medicine. Krissy holds a national certification with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and with the American Nursing Credentialing Center ( ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice with Delta State University which will be completed later this year.

Krissy provides treatment and medication management for a variety of behavioral health diagnoses including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and ADHD to improve mental and behavioral health.

To schedule an appointment, call (239) 624-3880.
*Insurance Restrictions Apply

Today, we're shining a light on Smitty, one of our incredible Sodexo USA team members who has been with NCH for an amazing 44 years!

Smitty, pictured with Chief Physician Integration Officer and Hospitalist Dr. Carlos Quintero, is always behind the scenes, working tirelessly to keep our hospital spotless and welcoming. His dedication and hard work ensure that every corner of our facilities is s***k and span, creating a safe and clean environment for everyone.

Thank you, Smitty, for your unwavering commitment and for being an essential part of our hospital family. Your efforts don't go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful to have you on our team!

Let's all take a moment to appreciate Smitty and the difference he makes every day. 👏

A round of applause for our NCH Above & Beyond winners! 👏

The Above & Beyond Movement recognizes and rewards departments that go above and beyond in providing exceptional patient care. Three inpatient departments are recognized each quarter for their performance on the patient experience measures.
Congratulations to the following units!

⭐ Most Improved - 2E, North Naples Hospital
⭐ Top Performer - 6N, Downtown Baker
⭐ People's Choice - 3N, Downtown Baker

Dr. Lirka Gonzalez Rodriguez is now accepting new patients and is ready to see you.

Dr. Gonzalez Rodriguez is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and received her medical degree from Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas de Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. She then completed her residency in geriatric medicine at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dr. Gonzalez's medical interests include chronic disease management, preventative screening and education, transitional care, acute care, wound care, minor surgical procedures, intra-articular injections, and preoperative clearance.

📍New Location
2450 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Suite 202 in Naples, 34105
Schedule an appointment by calling (239) 624-1120.

Please join us in congratulating our recent DAISY award winner Patty U., CPEN, RN, Pediatric Emergency.

The is given to nurses who consistently demonstrate excellence through their patient care expertise and extraordinary, compassionate care.

Here's what a team member had to say when a nine-month-old patient visited the emergency department:

“Patty went out of her way today to ensure the best care for a nine-month-old pediatric patient. The child has chronic medical conditions and has a nasogastric tube. The patient, being a normal nine-month-old, frequently pulls out the tube, and has been to the pediatric emergency department seven times in the last six weeks to have the tube placed after accidental removal. Today, Patty and the peds emergency team realized we were not treating the patient properly by merely replacing the tube. Patty spent over an hour on the phone calling all the members of the patient's care team: home health service, primary physician, and gastroenterology, and included the mother in the plan. With Patty's efforts, the care team formulated a plan to reduce or prevent repeated ED visits. This will save a child with multiple chronic illnesses from being exposed to the ED environment."

To share your story and to nominate an NCH nurse for the DAISY award, click here: https://bit.ly/3ykCjro

Today we are celebrating Wanda, unit secretary at North Naples Hospital, who is retiring after nearly 42 years of service at NCH. Your dedication and unwavering commitment inspired us all.

Cheers to you, Wanda, and enjoy your well-earned retirement!

Laughter is the best medicine after all! Remember, laughter can boost your mood and relieve stress. Share your favorite jokes with us in the comments.

National Relaxation Day is a time for us to take a moment and a well-deserved break from the stresses of everyday life. Here are some tips that can help you unwind and reduce stress:

◽️Deep Breathing
◽️Meditation
◽️Outdoor Walk
◽️Warm Bath
◽️Yoga or Stretching
◽️Listen to Calming Music
◽️Read a Book

What are your favorite tips for relaxing?

NCH welcomes Travis Howard, MD, interventional/structural cardiologist at the NCH Rooney Heart Institute.

Dr. Howard earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. He then completed his residency in internal medicine at Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center in Chicago, IL. followed by a cardiology and interventional and structural cardiology fellowship from Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.

Dr. Howard's medical interests include complex coronary interventions, valvular heart disease, and device trials for structural heart disease, As a Cleveland Clinic fellow, Dr. Howard received several awards for clinical excellence, and has 10 publications, six abstracts, and one book chapter.

Dr. Howard is a native of Florida, originally from Boca Raton, and enjoys tennis and spending time with his wife, Erika, and their infant son.

📍 399 9th St N, Suite 300, Naples, FL 34102
To schedule an appointment, call (239) 624-4200

NCH is proud to have performed Southwest Florida's first procedure using Boston Scientific's AGENT™ drug-coated balloon, a device for treating coronary in-stent restenosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

This FDA-approved, cutting-edge treatment offers new hope for patients providing an innovative option to keep arteries open and reduce the risk of future blockages.

Congratulations to Dr. Adam Frank and the interventional cardiology care team at the NCH Rooney Heart Institute for offering another advancement to improve the lives of those with coronary artery disease.

Struggling with hernia discomfort?

Our general surgeons are recognized nationally and internationally for their surgical excellence and have expertise in a variety of surgeries, including hernia repair.

If you have questions about your symptoms and need relief for hernia pain, please schedule an appointment today.

For more information, visit https://nchmd.org/services/general-surgery/hernia-surgery/

It's back-to-school week, here are some go-to healthy snacks for your kids, and yourself!

Did someone call a Dogtor?

Thank you to the Naples Police Department for bringing a very special guest to NCH Baker Hospital.

Max, the crisis care dog, brought smiles, comfort, and a sense of calm to everyone he met. We are grateful for the support and partnership with Naples PD in caring for our community's well-being.

Is your child ready for the new school year? If you still need to get that back-to-school or sports physical, we've got you covered!

Our pediatric office has appointments available to ensure your kids are healthy and prepared for the year ahead.

📍 11181 Health Park Blvd, Suite 1000, Naples, FL 34110
📱 (239) 624-0570

It's National Pickleball Day!

Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and have fun but remember these tips.

🏓 Warm up and stretch before playing
🏓 Wear supportive footwear to prevent injuries
🏓 Stay hydrated and listen to your body

If you experience aches or pains, visit the HSS at NCH Orthopedics Now Walk-In Clinic for expert care and quick relief.

Blood & platelet donors needed in southwest Florida!

Community Blood Center an affiliate of Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), is urging Southwest Floridians to donate platelets or whole blood to offset severe blood product shortages occurring throughout the state. While Community Blood Center and its NCH Hospitals have NOT been affected by the recently reported Florida ransomware attack, it is encouraging people to donate to ensure local blood inventories remain optimal for patients in area hospitals. Immediate donor response from community members is critical to shore up supplies and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatment. All blood types are needed, but platelet donations are in serious demand because of their short shelf life. People interested in donating platelets must have an appointment and donors can call 239-624-4120 option 3. No appointment is necessary for whole blood donors.

Where to donate: 239-624-4120

• Community Blood Center’s donor center: 1100 Immokalee Road, Naples, FL 34110, located on the first floor of the NCH Business Center. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, & Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesday (closed Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday).

• On the Bloodmobile - Find a blood drive location here: www.givebloodcbc.org

Donors can safely give whole blood every 56 days. People can donate platelets every 14 days, and certain restrictions apply. The minimum age to donate is 16 with parent present. There is no upper age maximum. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, should eat prior to giving blood, and must be well hydrated. Photo ID is required at donation time. All blood products collected by the Community Blood Center remain within the community to benefit local patients in need.

Breastfeeding is good for both you and your baby. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs.

Breastfeeding can also help protect you and your baby against short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.

As we kick off World Breastfeeding Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants Jill G., Liza S., and Michelle O. on National Lactation Consultant Appreciation Day!

Your unwavering support, expertise, and compassion make a difference for countless families on their breastfeeding journey.

Thank you for being the guiding light for new mothers, and helping them navigate the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. Your dedication to empowering parents with knowledge and confidence is truly inspiring. Your work supports the health and well-being of babies and strengthens the bonds within families and communities.