PITTSBURGH, December 26, 2001 — UPMC Shadyside has begun a major project to construct a high-tech, minimally invasive surgical center with robot-equipped operating suites, renovate the hospital’s main building, and establish a state-of-the-art, comprehensive pain center. A gift from Henry and Helen Posner and their family made the project possible.

The gift, the largest ever received by UPMC Shadyside, is in honor of Robert Posner, the family’s youngest son, who died last year. The hospital’s main building will be named Posner Tower in his memory. The gift is an expression of the family’s appreciation for the care provided over many years by the entire University of Pittsburgh Medical Center—including Montefiore, Presbyterian, St. Margaret, Rehabilitation and Shadyside Hospitals—especially the care provided to their son, Robert, last year.

"The new environment, facilities and programs will transform patient care at UPMC Shadyside Hospital," said Jeffrey Romoff, president of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

"The Posners’ gift will benefit the community for generations," said G. Nicholas Beckwith III, vice chairman, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Board of Directors. "We are deeply grateful to the family."

The minimally invasive surgical center, now under construction, is at the hospital’s main entrance. The three-story building will house five high-tech surgical suites, as well as support facilities. Minimally invasive surgery, making use of computer-controlled equipment, is now used in an increasing variety of procedures. It reduces surgical recovery time as well as post-operation pain and discomfort. The hospital has retained the Pittsburgh firm of Burt Hill Kosar and Rittleman as architects for the center.

The hospital’s seven-story main building, which has had few changes since it was built in 1972, will undergo a major renovation to upgrade patient care. Patient rooms will get new lighting, new furniture, and new communications and entertainment equipment integrated with hospital broadcasting capabilities. Nursing stations will get the latest patient monitoring, health information management and communications systems. Improvements also include renovated family lounges and new facilities for private consultation. The hospital has retained Image Associates as architects for the renovation project.

The new pain evaluation and treatment center will draw together a broad range of medical specialists to evaluate and alleviate pain caused by a full spectrum of conditions, including post-surgical, cancer-related, and chronic back pain. The center will offer patients a diversity of therapies and an array of educational services.

Completion of the minimally invasive surgical center is expected next fall. The renovated Posner Tower and the new pain evaluation and treatment center are scheduled for completion in 2003.