First patient receives infusion treatment on new terrace at UCI Health ― Irvine

First patient receives infusion treatment on new terrace at UCI Health ― Irvine

Unique, serene treatment setting provides comforting environment to promote healing and well-being

Orange, Calif. - UCI Health proudly announces a landmark moment as the first patient has received infusion treatment on the newly inaugurated Nicholas R. Conway, DO, and Betty Sha Foundation Infusion Terrace at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building. This event marked a significant step in providing cutting-edge, patient-centered care in a serene, healing environment.

The terrace, made possible by a generous $2 million donation from the Nicholas R. Conway, DO, and Betty Sha Family, offers a unique treatment setting with breathtaking views of the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve. The infusion center, located on the fourth floor, is part of the expansive $1.3 billion UCI Health - Irvine medical complex. The cancer center opened earlier this month.

The first patient, Kathleen Schmidt, has been receiving chemotherapy for the past five months at UCI Medical Center in Orange. Now she benefits from the healing, tranquil design of the terrace, which embodies the mission of UCI Health to deliver world-class care in a comforting atmosphere.

"It's unbelievable. Just beautiful. When we walked in, we just said, 'wow.' They did a great job. It's so clean and organized," said Schmidt. "I'm really thrilled about the visiting area, because now I can have my mom here along with my husband. We can be together as a family."

"This infusion treatment center is a testament to the generosity and vision of Dr. Nicholas Conway and Betty Sha," said Dr. Emad Elquza, physician-in-chief of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is the only comprehensive cancer center based in Orange County and one of 57 in the nation.

"Their donation not only honors Dr. Conway's legacy but also significantly enhances the patient experience at our new state-of-the-art facility."

Dr. Nicholas Conway, a distinguished alumnus of the California College of Medicine class of 1962, dedicated his career to family medicine, impacting countless lives until his retirement in 1988. His philanthropic legacy, carried forward by his daughter Betty Sha, continues to shape the future of healthcare at UCI Health.

The terrace is designed to make the infusion process more comfortable patients. It features three pods, each designed to promote relaxation while taking in the expansive views of the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve. The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognized for its advanced and personalized care, now offers this additional benefit to its patients, thanks to the Conway and Sha family's contribution.

"Providing a healing and comforting environment is crucial in cancer care," said Elquza. "This terrace allows us to deliver advanced treatments in a setting that supports the overall well-being of our patients."

This historic first infusion on the terrace represents a new era in patient care at UCI Health, underscoring its dedication to enhancing the lives of patients through innovation and compassion.

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About UCI Health

UCI Health, one of California's largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed, acute care hospital in Orange, Calif., four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and ambulatory care centers across the region. Recognized as a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to Orange County's only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About UCI Health - Irvine

UCI Health - Irvine is part of UCI Health, Orange County's only academic health system, serving the communities of coastal and south Orange County. It is the nation's first medical campus powered by an all-electric central utilities plant. It is home to the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, offering the full range of multidisciplinary specialty care for children and adults, urgent care services and the UCI Health Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. It is also home to The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building. The medical complex will be complete in 2025 with the opening of a seven-story, 144-bed acute care hospital and 24-hour emergency department.