Naples City Council Approves $200M NCH Expansion

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is proud to announce that it is the first in Florida to provide Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation, a groundbreaking treatment for patients with tumors. This milestone highlights NCHs leadership in advancing cancer care in the state.The FDA-cleared Aliya PEF System uses high-frequency, short-duration pulsed electric fields to ablate soft tissue with unparalleled precision and allows the opportunity to treat the area at the time of biopsy. By preserving healthy tissue and avoiding thermal injury, this approach significantly reduces recovery times and improves outcomes for patients with complex tumors.This innovative procedure, performed using the Aliya PEF System developed by Galvanize Therapeutics, is distinguished by its high safety profile and its ability to stimulate the immune system by releasing tumor antigens as cells are ablated. This immune response can potentially protect the patient from tumor growth, even at other locations. Additionally, PEF minimizes collateral damage, making it a safer option for treating tumors located near major blood vessels and airways.The procedure was conducted by Dr. David Lindner, pulmonologist at NCH, in collaboration with oncologist, Dr. Stephen Newman. Together, they have brought this advanced therapy to Southwest Florida, setting the stage for its broader adoption across the state.What makes this therapy so unique is not just its precision and safety, but also its potential to harness the bodys immune system to fight cancer, said Dr. Lindner. We are excited to lead the way in providing this cutting-edge treatment to patients in Florida.Introducing PEF ablation to Florida underscores NCHs commitment to offering our patients the most advanced and effective treatments available, said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO at NCH. This is a significant step forward in our mission to lead in cancer care across the region.

NCH continues to lead the way in medical innovation, becoming the first healthcare provider in the state to offer the groundbreaking Van Gogh Biopsy tool from Aquyre Biosciences. This advanced technology redefines traditional biopsy procedures, providing results in as little as two minutes and eliminating the need for time-consuming traditional lab-based analysis. The Van Gogh Biopsy technology is designed for use in assessing tissue during cancer diagnostics, and can rapidly identify cancer, immune and other cells. The tool leverages real-time optical imaging to evaluate tissue with exceptional precision, streamlining the diagnostic process and improving patient care. Unlike conventional methods that require tissue samples to be sent to a lab for analysis, the Van Gogh system provides instantaneous feedback, enabling physicians to make informed decisions on the spot. At NCH, we are committed to offering cutting-edge technology that enhances the patient experience, said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. The Van Gogh Biopsy Tool aligns perfectly with our mission, allowing us to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses while reducing the stress and uncertainty for our patients. This innovative tool is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing evaluations for conditions where time is critical. By reducing the diagnostic process from days to mere minutes, the Van Gogh system empowers physicians to create immediate, tailored treatment plans. The addition of the Van Gogh Biopsy Tool underscores NCHs dedication to advancing healthcare quality and ensuring patients in Southwest Florida have access to the best and most efficient diagnostic tools available.

Named as One of Americas 50 Best Hospitals for 2025 by HealthgradesNaples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is proud to announce its recognition as one of Americas 50 Best Hospitals for 2025, according to newly released research by Healthgrades, the nations leading resource for information about doctors and hospitals. This prestigious accolade reflects NCHs unwavering commitment to delivering superior patient care, placing it in the top 1% of all U.S. hospitals for overall care excellence. In addition to this honor, NCH is currently the only hospital in the nation to achieve Healthgrades highest recognition in three critical areas: Cardiac Care, Orthopedic Surgery, and Overall Clinical Excellence. These achievements underscore NCHs dedication to setting and exceeding the highest standards of quality and innovation in healthcare. NCHs achievements are based exclusively on what matters most: patient outcomes. To determine the top hospitals for 2025, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Healthgrades annual analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nations highest- and lowest-achieving hospitals, making it increasingly important to seek care at a top-rated facility. If all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to NCH being named among Americas 50 Best, 173,516 lives could have been saved.  Five years ago, our vision was to become a top 50 healthcare system in the nation, said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. Were proud to celebrate this accomplishment because of the tireless efforts of our physicians, nurses, and staff who prioritize excellence in every aspect of patient care. Our teams commitment to transforming quality and enhancing the patient experience helped us achieve this vision. Being recognized for superior outcomes in cardiac care, orthopedic surgery, and overall clinical excellence is a testament to the extraordinary teamwork and dedication of our organization. This achievement places NCH among the nations healthcare elite. Healthgrades 50 Best Hospitals designation is its highest achievement, recognizing institutions that consistently deliver superior clinical outcomes. NCHs exceptional performance in these areas reinforces its reputation as a trusted leader in healthcare, both in Florida and across the nation. As one of Americas 50 Best Hospitals, NCH is elevating the standard for quality care nationwide, said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. Healthgrades commends NCH for their leadership and ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for all patients in Southwest Florida.  For more information about NCH and its award-winning services and care, please visit www.NCHmd.org.