Hartford Hospital Receives Transformational Gift: $5 million to create the “Tallwood Urological and Kidney Institute”
February 21, 2012
(Hartford, Conn.) – Hartford Hospital has received a commitment of $5 million from an anonymous donor to name and develop a pioneering urological and kidney institute.
The donor’s goal for the Tallwood Urological and Kidney Institute is to redefine the way patients and their families receive care.
“This transformational donation to name our urological and kidney institute is a testament to our expertise in urological and kidney care,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford Hospital. “This gift will enable us to invest in innovative technology and training and recruit top physicians – for the benefit of our patients, their families, our community and the region. ”
“This donor is deeply committed to Hartford Hospital and believes strongly in the strength of our mission, our leadership and our expertise,” said Dr. Steven Shichman, a nationally-recognized urologist and pioneer in robotic surgery who will lead the Tallwood Institute. “The donor hopes this gift will inspire others to support the hospital.”
The anonymous donor previously gave $1 million to Hartford Hospital for its Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI). “That gift inspired others to give and help us build CESI into a nationally known, state-of-art training facility that offers a comprehensive range of robotic and hightech training capabilities,” Flaks said.
The Tallwood Urological and Kidney Institute will provide comprehensive urological and kidney care with sub-specializations in urologic oncology, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, endourology and stone disease, pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, genitourinary reconstruction, and male infertility and reproductive medicine. In the area of metabolic kidney care, nephrology, the Institute will allow for patients to have increased support and integration in the care of chronic kidney disease, kidney stone analysis and prevention, management of complex hypertension/high blood pressure, and prevention of acute kidney injury in the complex-care hospitalized patient.
“Through the Tallwood Urological and Kidney Institute, we expect to be better able to achieve better patient outcomes, expand our service locations and improve access for patients by increasing the number of providers,” Flaks said.
About Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.
Photo Above: Dr. Steven Shichman, a urologist and pioneer in robotic surgery who will lead the Tallwood Institute at Hartford Hospital.