Naples Comprehensive Health Enhances Storm Preparedness

Naples Comprehensive Health Enhances Storm Preparedness with
Installation of AquaFence Flood Protection System

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.

About NCH
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is an advanced community healthcare system serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. A locally governed nonprofit, NCH has been recognized among America’s Top 50 hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence. It was also named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Modern Healthcare. The system includes NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital, with more than 700 beds and more than 750 physicians, along with medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida. NCH is the region’s only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and its cardiac care program ranks among the top three in the state. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available locally. With the largest provider network, urgent and immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH continues to advance the quality of care close to home. For more information, visit nchmd.org.

About AquaFence
AquaFence is a global leader in engineered, modular flood protection systems. With over 25 years of experience, AquaFence solutions are designed for rapid deployment and have been independently tested and proven in real-world conditions. What sets AquaFence apart is its engineering-driven approach: every project is analyzed and supported by certified engineers to ensure each solution is tailored to the site’s specific conditions and risk profile. AquaFence systems are trusted by government agencies, hospitals, emergency services, and private companies to protect critical infrastructure and assets. Through its service and maintenance program, AquaFence fosters long-term relationships with clients to ensure continued protection and readiness. For more information, visit www.aquafence.com.