When Cape Coral Hospital opened on July 5, 1977, it had 94 beds and 254 employees. Today, it is one the area’s largest employers, and the hospital has 291 beds and almost 1,500 employees. It is also part of Lee Memorial Health System, the sixth largest public health system in the U.S. with more than 10,000 employees,

Cape Coral Hospital will celebrate its 35th Anniversary Sunday.

“We’ve been the heart of the community for the last 35 years,” said Chief Administrative Officer Scott Kashman. “The community knows we are there for their continuing needs. We want Cap Coral Hospital to serve as a center of community health and wellness.”

The hospital will celebrate its 35-year anniversary July 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. with an open house. Guided tours of the hospital, including the Emergency Department and an operating room, and free health screenings, will follow. The free health screenings will be at the Cape Coral Wellness Center. Remarks and refreshments will take place in the Auxiliary conference room, adjacent to the main lobby.

Kashman talked about current projects and the future.

“We are moving forward, focusing on optimal healing environments. We are also a clinical cooperative, serving as a role model for those we serve,” he said.

Hospital officials are intentionally looking for more healing space, including a healing garden expansion still in the planning stages and building or expanding on a retention pond, part of garden.

“We’d also plan to expand hiking and walking paths. All of these plans really expand our community involvement,” Kashman said.

Lee Memorial Health System is the largest community-owned health system in Southwest Florida.

The system is made up of four acute care hospitals and two specialty hospitals, as well as outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers and primary care and specialty physician offices.

An award-winning health care system, it provides regional programs, including a Trauma Center and the Children’s Hospital, which serve our community members from Tampa to Miami.

Cape Coral Hospital is at 636 Del Prado Blvd. S.

For information, call 424-2000 or go to leememorial.org.