The Lehigh Regional Medical Center held its ribbon cutting/open house for their new Behavioral Health Unit on Tuesday, Dec. 17. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Lehigh Regional Medical Center held its ribbon cutting/open house for its new Behavioral Health Unit last Tuesday.

Lee County Commissioners, local agencies and members of the public were invited to see the unveiling of a 35-bed inpatient behavioral health treatment center for adults 55 and older who are experiencing a variety of emotional, social and behavioral issues that affect the functioning of their daily lives.

The medical center’s third floor was completely remodeled to include More than $5 million in renovations. It will be one of the leading, state-of-art facilities in the area dedicated to patients 55 years and older.

The ribbon cutting began with a guided tour by the behavioral unit’s new staff and light refreshments, followed by opening prayers, and remarks by Gary Bell, the CEO of Lehigh Regional Medical Center, and Michael Welch, chairman of the Board Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

According to Bell, much consideration has gone into selecting only the best to join the facility.

“We have tried to recruit only the best and I think we did a pretty good job for this unit and this medical center. We hand-picked the best of the best that we could possibly find, the great providers here in Southwest Florida, and they are all at this Lehigh facility. I can’t thank everyone enough,” Bell said.

Bell sent out a special thanks to team members including Jim Allard, the director of Plant Operations, whom he credits with overseeing the operations and bringing the hospital through Hurricane Irma. He then turned it over to Michael Welch to say a few words.

“I have been living in Lehigh Acres for a while and when I heard that Prime Health was taking over the little hospital that was flailing, I was not surprised, because Prime Health has turned many hospitals that were having problems into functioning, community-based institutions that still kept their identity as Catholic hospitals,” Welch said.

Welch also credited the endurance and forethought by Prime Health administration.

“Other systems have tried and left. This area overall is a difficult population to provide health care for. Then they sat down and spoke with me about their plans for the new Behavioral Health Unit, not simply for Lehigh Acres but for the whole region. That’s why we have gained the partnerships with Salus Care and Lee Health,” Welch said

The need that Florida has is more resources for behavioral health, and the standards have to be held higher.

“We can do a lot better towards offering behavioral health care locally. Now, here at this facility, you will be bringing hope and refreshed and renewed lives to the 55 and plus age group. Congratulations,” Welch added.

Program Director Dr. Ralph Ryback wrapped up by crediting the caring and talented staff at the medical center for helping to make the hospital a success.

“They are what’s made this little hospital that could go, go,” Ryback said.

The Behavioral Health Unit will offer the following services: Psychiatric assessment and treatment; management of medical conditions; medication management; dietary consultation; recreation therapy assessment and treatment; psychotherapy (individual, family, and group), and education for patients and their families/care givers.

Lehigh Regional Medical Center is at 1500 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres. For more information, call 239-369-2101 or visit www.lehighregional.com.