Naples Chamber hosts healthcare round table with Lee and Collier leaders

ERICA FISH, Public Policy Intern

The Greater Naples Chamber recently convened an invitation-only, small group discussion to address current issues affecting the Southwest Florida healthcare community.

Representatives from Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, Lorenzo Walker Technical College, Physician’s Regional, Healthcare Network and NCH Healthcare System were present during the Nov. 30 round table.

The small group setting ensured a meaningful and productive conversation as leaders explained challenges within their industries, and the ideas and practices they have used to help better the circumstances.

Employers were asked to come prepared to discuss any challenges within the healthcare workforce and among their educational partners, including any opportunities which can help our community’s workforce.

Sharing economic frustrations involving worker challenges with inefficient housing availability, living expenses and the lack of workforce, the healthcare industry facing issues with nurses “job hopping” – as they resign from one hospital and go to another for better pay – and higher education institutions’ inability to hire professors and other faculty because of housing and high cost of living in the southwest Florida region.

The round table also collaborated on partnerships on how to educate, get employers involved and initiate opportunities to work on.

No concrete decisions were made at the meeting; however, contacts were shared to continue the conversation outside the meeting. The Chamber and attended representatives hope to create positive outcomes soon.