IMMOKALEE — Healthcare Network, a nonprofit health center working to ensure primary care is accessible to everyone, is set to begin renovations on its first comprehensive medical center, Marion E. Fether (MEF), which opened in Immokalee in 1993.

“It’s an exciting time for our organization to begin modernizing and improving Marion E. Fether, which has been a staple in Immokalee for a very long time, providing care to countless families throughout the years,” said Jamie Ulmer, Healthcare Network president and CEO. “It is time for the building to reflect the top-notch care patients receive.”

The renovations, which will begin in early 2024, are expected to cost $3 to $4 million and will improve access to care through effective utilization of space for more patient rooms, increase staff productivity with updated technology and enhance the patient experience with a new layout. Built to address the growing medical needs of the Immokalee community, MEF provides underinsured and uninsured families and individuals with quality, patient-centered care including adult and senior care, x-ray and lab, dental, specialty services focused on HIV and infectious diseases as well as an in-house pharmacy.

About 10,000 patients are seen annually at MEF, in addition to women and children seen through Healthcare Network’s practices in the neighboring Florida State University of College Medicine facility. The renovation will double the patient capacity at MEF.

All practices will remain open for scheduled appointments and walk-ins with renovations set to be completed in winter 2025. To minimize patient disruptions, the renovations on the 42,000-square-foot building will be completed in phases. To learn more about Healthcare Network services, please visit HealthcareSWFL.org.