Lee Health Begins Evaluation of Current Structure with Community-Focused Mission in Mind

(Fort Myers, Fla. – Sept. 28, 2023) --- Earlier this month Lee Health shared that it is beginning a process to review its current structure to evaluate the potential benefits of returning to a private nonprofit model from its current structure as a public nonprofit health system. Today, Lee Health is pleased to announce that it has engaged Kaufman Hall, a highly respected health care advisory firm with experience in such evaluations, to perform a comprehensive assessment that will help inform Lee Health’s leadership team, Board of Directors and community as they consider the best path for Lee Health.

Recognizing the growing pressure publicly owned health systems face, the Florida legislature set forth clear guidelines for this process, including a requirement that an independent firm complete a comprehensive assessment before any decisions are made. The assessment is solely focused on gathering information that will help determine the optimal path for Lee Health as it navigates an increasingly complex and evolving health care landscape. 

Lee Health has an unwavering commitment to its mission of serving everyone in the community. The ability to continue fulfilling this bedrock commitment is a driving factor in Lee Health’s process.

“This exploration will be educational for all of us as we look at the needs of our community and the services Lee Health offers to support all of our residents and visitors,” said President and CEO of Lee Health, Dr. Larry Antonucci. 

Engaging a firm to perform an independent analysis is only one step in what will be a thorough and lengthy discernment process. 

"The Florida legislature recognizes the growing pressures facing public health systems," said Dr. Antonucci. “The forthcoming evaluation will help us determine the best path to protect our financial health, independence and community-led structure long term, while also fueling our continued national leadership in healthcare and ability to provide a full array of high-quality care and services to everyone in our region, regardless of their ability to pay."

To learn more about the ongoing evaluation and see the latest documents available, visit www.LeeHealth.org/LookingAhead.