University Hospitals receives $5M from Lake Health Foundation

Chad Felton, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read
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Aug. 15—University Hospitals recently announced it has received a $5 million leadership gift from the Lake Health Foundation that's designed to "ensure excellent, close-to-home care for Lake County patients and families."

The unprecedented gift celebrates the foundation's 40th anniversary and enduring commitment to community health and well-being, officials noted.

"With this support, our goal is to provide the residents of Lake County the most comprehensive and compassionate care right in their backyard," said Kathleen Thompson, chair of Lake Health Foundation.

Lake Health joined the UH health system in 2021, building on two decades of partnership, and serves as UH's flagship provider in Lake County.

Earlier this year, UH announced plans to make significant improvements at UH Lake West and UH TriPoint medical centers, in Willoughby and Concord Township, respectively, "to align services with the evolving health needs of the county."

Officials noted the foundation's gift will directly support the renovation and modernization efforts.

"As our communities grow and evolve, our hospitals must grow and evolve in order to provide the best care possible for our patients," said Dr. Robyn Strosaker, president and COO of UH Lake Health Medical Centers. "We look forward to continuing our transition to a high-acuity hospital at Lake West and the expansion of our birthing center at TriPoint."

Additional advancements at the hospitals include leading-edge technologies, innovative practices, clinical research and care coordination initiatives, she added.

The first major renovation for Lake West since 2005, the modernization project, over the next few years, will include a new hybrid cardiac and vascular lab for the UH Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, in addition to a high-complexity endoscopy/bronchoscopy suite for the UH Digestive Health Institute.

Renovation of the surgery waiting room, the expansion of surgery areas and two new elevators for surgical patient transfer will round out the project.

Later this year, the birthing center at TriPoint will be completely renovated and will include a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. All 14 labor and delivery suites and two C-section suites will be incorporated into the renovation, and four Level 2 NICU suites will be added, with the potential to expand.

"For 40 years, Lake Health Foundation has inspired philanthropy and modeled community investment....this gift continues that time-honored tradition, supporting quality, close-to-home care while also encouraging additional giving through matching funds," said UH CEO Dr. Cliff A. Megerian. "It's a wonderful celebration of Lake Health Foundation's commitment to serve and safeguard the health of Lake County."