Naples, Fla. – April 22, 2026 – Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has strengthened its emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience with the installation of AquaFence flood barrier systems at both its North Naples campus and the downtown NCH Baker Hospital campus.
The deployment of AquaFence, a rapid-deployment flood mitigation system designed to protect critical facilities from rising water, reflects NCH’s continued investment in safeguarding patient care operations during severe weather events. The system can be quickly installed ahead of major storms to help prevent floodwater from entering key areas of the hospitals, ensuring continuity of care and protection of essential medical equipment and infrastructure.
“As a healthcare system serving a coastal region, preparedness is not optional, it’s essential,” said Jennifer Smith, Administrative Director of Emergency Operations at NCH. “The addition of AquaFence systems at both campuses provides an added layer of protection that allows us to maintain safe, uninterrupted care for our patients, even in the face of significant storm surge or flooding threats.”
The AquaFence barriers are engineered for efficiency and reliability, requiring no permanent installation and minimal manpower to deploy. Their modular design allows teams to quickly establish a protective perimeter around vulnerable entry points and low-lying areas.
“This is about building a more resilient healthcare system for the future,” said Jon Kling, RN, Chief Operating Officer at NCH. “Investments like AquaFence are part of a broader strategy to harden our infrastructure, reduce risk, and ensure that our facilities are equipped to withstand
the evolving environmental challenges facing Southwest Florida. It’s a deliberate step toward
protecting not just our operations, but the long-term reliability our community depends on.”
“Hospitals must be able to function regardless of conditions,” said Patrik Hansson, Chief
Revenue Officer at AquaFence. “With the right planning and infrastructure in place, health
systems like NCH can stay focused on what matters most – caring for patients.”
The installation of AquaFence systems complements NCH’s comprehensive emergency management program, which includes ongoing staff training, coordination with local and state agencies, and continuous evaluation of infrastructure improvements to address evolving environmental risks.