Opening of UCSD Cardiovascular Center Delayed

The opening of the UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center is running a bit behind schedule. The opening of the region’s first dedicated cardiovascular patient care and research center was scheduled to open its doors to patients on April 3 but UCSD officials now anticipates a May opening.

UC San Diego Health Systems issued a statement Monday afternoon stating it hoped to be eligible for final inspection in May.

“UC San Diego Health System delayed the opening of the SCVC to update a water system and for improvement within our emergency department,” reported Jacqueline Carr, a spokesperson for UCSD Health System, by email. “The delay is ours, not the state’s. We are partnering with the California Department of Public Health to address and resolve all needs. We look forward to opening one of the nation’s most complex and technologically advanced cardiovascular centers.”

The UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center is a four-story facility adjacent to Thornton Hospital with four operating rooms, 22 day beds and 27 acute-care beds.

The facility is named after Richard Sulpizio, a longtime Qualcomm executive, and his wife, Gabby. The couple donated $10 million for the project. A ribbon cutting ceromony was held March 4.