[2] It was merged with GCH to form the new Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers in March 2009, leaving the old SWFRMC building unused.

When Lee Memorial Health System took over the hospital, they surveyed the SWFRMC facility for possible reuse as well, only to come to the same conclusion as the contractors hired by HCA.

When expansions were finally completed in March 2009, all patients, staff, and equipment were transferred to the new Gulf Coast Medical Center.

Lee County paramedics treated the transfer of patients as an emergency evacuation drill.

[1] As a final farewell to the facility, staff members signed their names and start dates on the interior walls of the hospital in permanent marker before leaving, and some left hand prints in colorful paint.