Chancellor Drake, Community Leaders Dedicate New University Hospital

Chancellor Michael Drake joined UC Irvine faculty and staff members, donors, civic leaders and other community members Jan. 30 for the dedication of the new University Hospital at UC Irvine Medical Center. Guests included Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche and Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang, along with hospital campaign co-chairs Elizabeth and Tom Tierney, UC Irvine Foundation chair Jim Mazzo, and scores of other supporters celebrating the occasion.

Following a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited inside for a reception and tours of the seven-story facility. The building’s new features include 15 state-of-the-science “smart” operating rooms, making the hospital one of the most advanced surgical complexes in the nation. Eight of the spacious operating rooms are equipped especially for minimally invasive surgeries.

“The new ORs are designed to accommodate the larger surgical teams necessary for very complex procedures,” said Dr. Ralph V. Clayman, who leads the medical center’s urology team.

Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche, left, and Chancellor Drake assist as Stephanie Shaffer, a former patient at the medical center, cuts ribbon to dedicate the new University Hospital.

Chancellor Drake acknowledges the vital role donors, such as Phylis and David Hsia, have played in the success of UC Irvine Medical Center.

Chancellor Drake, second from right, extols the advances that will be made possible in University Hospital’s new surgical facilities, including this operating room equipped for minimally invasive surgery.

Photos by Paul R. Kennedy
Chancellor Drake, other campus leaders celebrate hospital opening with staff
University Hospital opens new era in healthcare
UC Irvine Healthcare
Shaping the Future campaign
More community events