A New Era of Care for Women, Mothers, and Children in Our Community
The Van Domelen Pavilion for Women & Children is a transformational investment in the health and future of our community, delivering unparalleled care, innovation, and compassion.
Why this Matters Now
As our community grows, so does the responsibility to meet the complex and evolving needs of women, mothers, babies, and children. Today, too many families are forced to leave the region for advanced care, separating loved ones during life’s most vulnerable moments. This initiative represents a bold commitment to change that reality.
Our goal is Simply and Urgent
Keep as many women and children as possible in Collier County for the care they need, surrounded by family and support systems.
The Critical Gap in Care
Collier County is home to more than 65,000 children ages 0 to 17, with the pediatric population projected to grow by 4 percent over the next five years—yet healthcare infrastructure has not kept pace. Despite serving a vulnerable population with deep commitment—caring for over 30,000 children each year and delivering 3,700 babies annually—gaps in access to specialty and advanced care persist as Southwest Florida experiences unprecedented growth.
The numbers tell the story: From 2021–2024, half of pediatric patients needing inpatient specialty care left the county. In 2024 alone, 329 pediatric emergency transfers occurred, most requiring out-of-county care. Meanwhile, NCH’s Birthplace is at 97% capacity, and maternal-fetal medicine visits have surged 400% since 2019. National trends make this worse: maternal mortality has doubled in 20 years, pediatric and maternity units have declined by 30%, and workforce shortages strain access. Locally, rapid growth and limited specialty infrastructure magnify the challenge.
The Van Domelen Pavilion for Women & Children
A four-story, 156,000-square-foot center of clinical excellence built above the existing emergency departments at NCH North Naples Hospital, bringing advanced, comprehensive women’s and pediatric care together under one roof.
Total Investment in Our Community’s Future
80% must be raised through philanthropy before breaking ground
World-Class Facilities and Services
- Expansive labor and delivery suites with advanced operating rooms
- Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for complex neonatal care
- Enhanced Maternal-Fetal Medicine services fully integrated with obstetric care
- Advanced women's health services including menopausal medicine and pelvic floor therapy
- Critical pediatric specialties: Surgery, Neurology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Cardiology, and Infectious Disease services
- Wonder and Sensory Rooms for children with autism or special needs
- Rooftop helipad for rapid transport and lifesaving care
A Powerful Collaboration
Collier County is growing fast, but specialized care for women and children hasn’t kept pace. Too often, families must leave the community for advanced services, separating parents from newborns and children from caregivers at the most vulnerable moments.
In January 20th, 2026 NCH and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital announced a major expansion of care for women and children in Southwest Florida, made possible by a visionary gift from Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation. This investment will establish the Van Domelen Institute for Women and Children and support construction of the Van Domelen Pavilion for Women and Children on the NCH North Hospital campus.
The Van Domelen Pavilion for Women & Children will change this reality. Through a unique collaboration, NCH will operate the Pavilion while Nicklaus Children’s Hospital manages pediatric care, bringing world-class expertise, expanded subspecialties, and proven excellence to our community. Together, we will strengthen, not compete with, local providers, creating a regional system of care that works for everyone.
Nicklaus Children’s has been ranked among the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years. In December 2025, it earned its fourth consecutive Top Children’s Hospital designation from the Leapfrog Group, placing it among just 15 hospitals nationwide.
Your Gift Transforms Lives
Philanthropy is the driving force behind this Pavilion. Every gift helps keep women and children in our community for the care they need, strengthens families during their most vulnerable moments, and ensures access to world-class care close to home.
Compassionate Pediatric Care
Your support ensures every child receives exceptional care close to home
Advanced Facilities for Families
Help us build state-of-the-art spaces designed for healing and comfort
Community Impact Through Giving
Keep families together during their most vulnerable moments
Other Easy Ways to Give
Contact our gift processing department for transfer instructions at 239-624-2000.
NCH Giving Instructions
Questions? Please contact our philanthropy office at 239-624-2000.
THE NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM D/B/A NCH CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY IS A 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION, IRS SECTION, 170(B)(III) FOR BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE TAX PURPOSES, FEDERAL TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 59-2314655.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR ACCESSING THE WEBSITE AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM (CH1470). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Donor Impact
- Compassionate Pediatric Care
- Advanced Facilities for Families
- Community Impact Through Giving
Our Mission
NCH has been serving Collier County’s children, mothers and families for nearly seven decades by providing care for more than 30,000 children annually. We firmly believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.
To strengthen our commitment to providing exceptional pediatric care, NCH and Nicklaus Children’s Health System have teamed up to enhance care for Collier County children and their families while keeping them closer to home. We already have the only birthing center, neonatal intensive care unit and obstetric emergency room in Collier County.
Your generous contribution can make a difference toward creating:
- Upgrades to the only 24-hour pediatric emergency department in Collier County, with 13 private rooms and five partial-privacy rooms
- A Level Ill NICU, which guarantees 24/7 coverage by an obstetrician/gynecologist, essential for mothers with high-risk pregnancies or those experiencing premature labor
- Continuation of our ability to deliver about 3,800 babies annually at the NCH Birthplace
- Use of specialized equipment, including flexible bronchoscopes, surgical trays and ultrasound machines
By contributing to the NCH Women’s and Children’s Fund, you will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless children and their families – ensuring they receive the medical attention they require.
Thoughtful gifts of all sizes enable NCH to meet the ongoing needs of our hospital and community, ensuring a healthy future for everyone we serve. Stay informed about our initiatives and community impact by signing up for our newsletter!