Lee Health to Relocate, Expand Primary Care Clinic on Sanibel

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Stephen R. Bowen Construction’s Ron Dopierala, left, Bank of the Islands’ Geoffrey Roepstorff, Lena Brown, Lee Health board member Dr. Stephen Brown, Bank of the Islands’ Robbie Roepstorff, Stephen R. Bowen Construction’s Stephen Bowen, Lee Health’s Jason Longton and Brock Billman.

Lee Health is expanding primary care access on Sanibel Island through a new lease agreement for a portion of the Bank of the Islands building, paving the way for the health system to relocate and expand its existing island primary care clinic. Bank of the Islands will continue its operations at the property.

The agreement marks a return to a location with deep roots in local health care. For decades, Lee Health provided health care services from the Bank of the Islands property. In 2022, Lee Health opened its current primary care clinic on Palm Ridge Road, featuring two exam rooms and one physician.

When the health system returns to the Bank of the Islands property at 1699 Periwinkle Way, its operations will expand to include six exam rooms and three physicians, enabling Lee Health to serve more patients and help meet the growing health care needs of island residents.

“Having access to quality health care on Sanibel is essential for our island community,” said Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO and founder of Bank of the Islands. “Having more providers and increased capacity on the island means residents will have improved access to the care they need, when they need it. We’re proud to partner with Lee Health by providing space for them to expand and serve more patients on Sanibel for years to come, all while we continue serving our banking customers at the property.”

The expanded clinic reflects Lee Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, convenient primary care close to home, reducing the need for residents to travel off island for routine medical services and strengthening access to care for the Sanibel community.

“For generations, this location has been associated with health care services on Sanibel, making this return especially meaningful,” said Kris Fay, chief operating officer of ambulatory care for Lee Health. “As we expand our primary care presence, we’re investing in greater access, additional capacity and the long-term health of the island community. We look forward to welcoming patients to a space that reflects both our history and our commitment to the future.”

Construction is currently underway by Stephen R. Bowen Construction, with the expanded clinic anticipated to open in spring 2027.

About Bank of the Islands
As the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County, Bank of the Islands is proud to be the winner of more than 50 “Best of the Islands” awards. The bank is especially honored to be voted Best Bank, Best Financial Services and Best Mortgage Broker for 2026. The bank has retained a 5-Star Superior Rating from BauerFinancial for more than a decade. The Sanibel office of Bank of the Islands is located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, at the corner of Casa Ybel Road. The Captiva office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, next to the Captiva Post Office. Offices of Edison National Bank, Member FDIC. To learn more, visit BankoftheIslands.com.
About Lee Health
Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at http://www.LeeHealth.org.

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