When UCI Health — Irvine opened its doors on December 10, it introduced a new approach to hospital care in the United States. The seven-story, 144-bed acute care facility is now part of Orange County’s only academic health system and is recognized as the nation’s first all-electric acute care hospital.
Located next to the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve, the hospital integrates advanced medical services with design features intended to support patient well-being and environmental sustainability. Patient rooms and public spaces offer views of local natural landmarks, while the facility incorporates outdoor terraces and healing gardens.
UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman described the project’s significance: “UCI Health — Irvine embodies what it means to be a modern public research university. We are extending world-class, research-driven care into the community in a way that is compassionate, forward-looking and deeply rooted in this place we call home.”
The hospital’s affiliation with UC Irvine allows patients access to clinical trials, specialized therapies, and multidisciplinary expertise unique to an academic medical center. The Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences brings together schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as centers focused on population and public health. This structure supports collaboration across disciplines.
Dr. Steve Goldstein, vice chancellor for health affairs at UC Irvine, emphasized this integration: “What makes our mission unique is the seamless integration of research, education and clinical care across health sciences schools, the research centers and the UCI Health delivery system. Collaboration is our greatest strength. We have created an environment where discoveries move from the lab to the bedside faster, where teams see and treat the whole person, and where future healthcare leaders learn to advance health and lifelong well-being with curiosity, compassion and purpose. This synergy is transformative for health outcomes, equity and the communities we serve.”
Designers prioritized both patient experience and environmental stewardship due to proximity to sensitive wildlife habitats. Features include avian-safe glass patterns to prevent bird strikes; barriers guiding turtles away from campus; stormwater management systems that protect marsh water quality; and a buffer zone planted with native species grown from local seeds.
Brian Pratt, associate vice chancellor for design and construction services at UC Irvine, explained: “We decided early on that we would not turn our back on the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve. Instead, we embraced it as a defining feature of the medical campus. The marsh is not just a backdrop – it’s a living ecosystem that reflects our commitment to sustainability, wellness and healing. By weaving its natural beauty into the fabric of UCI Health — Irvine, we create an environment where patients, caregivers and students can connect with nature, reduce stress and experience care in a setting that promotes whole-person health. This integration is unique because it transforms a medical campus into a restorative space, aligning with our mission to advance health in harmony with the environment.”
As America’s first all-electric acute care hospital—a milestone aligned with UC system goals—the facility operates without natural gas or other carbon-based fuels during normal operations. Its central utility plant uses electricity sourced from renewable energy programs along with solar panels installed onsite for heating, cooling and hot water needs.
Chad T. Lefteris, president and CEO of UCI Health stated: “Building UCI Health — Irvine as an all-electric hospital was a bold, values-driven decision,” says Chad T. Lefteris. “Hospitals are among the highest carbon emitters in the built environment, and we knew we could do better. By eliminating fossil fuels and embracing clean energy, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability in healthcare – one that protects our patients, our community and our planet. This is more than reducing emissions. It’s about creating a healing environment that reflects who we are and shapes the future of medicine.”
The layout was designed around efficient movement for both patients seeking emergency or routine care as well as staff working throughout operating rooms or inpatient units. Amenities include private work areas for employees; dedicated break lounges; quiet rooms for reflection; streamlined food service options; accessible bathrooms; clear sightlines; decentralized workstations for nurses; large patient rooms filled with natural light; family spaces; smart technology interfaces; chef-inspired menus tailored for regional tastes; among others.
A notable feature beneath ground level is a surgical platform spanning nearly three football fields—housing 15 operating rooms plus interventional suites—allowing flexible response during emergencies such as wildfires or pandemics.
Lefteris commented on adaptability: “We’ve built a hospital that performs beautifully on a typical day but it’s also ready to adapt when it matters most… From pandemics to wildfires we know healthcare has to be nimble.”
The campus includes additional facilities like specialty clinics at Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care as well as cancer treatment at Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center & Ambulatory Care building—all connected by direct pathways aimed at simplifying transitions between types of care.
Gillman reflected on broader impact: “Of all the things we do… none are more important than activities of our academic medical centers… People come to us when they are at their most vulnerable… And outcomes of our efforts have greatest effect on those lives.”
