University Times

A garden for the enjoyment of patients with heart disease and those who are awaiting a heart transplant opened last month at UPMC Presbyterian.

The Spinola Family Patient Garden is endowed by Frank and Mary Jo Spinola of Wexford, whose daughter Andrea was kept alive by an artificial heart for 131 days before she received a heart transplant in August 1996. The Spinola family was joined by cardiologists, administrators, patients and families in a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opening the garden.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to the Spinola family who have made this garden possible," said Arthur Feldman, chief of the division of cardiology, at the dedication ceremony. "It will provide comfort to many of our patients who can now enjoy these beautiful surroundings." The garden gives patients, some of whom spend a great deal of time in the hospital, an opportunity to go outside while staying close to their hospital rooms. The garden is adjacent to Cardiology Unit 3E and is equipped with heart monitors so patients who require monitoring also can enjoy the surroundings. The 1,000-square-foot garden has a gazebo, trees, flowers and sitting areas.

In addition to the Spinola family and Feldman, others participating in the dedication ceremony included Henry Mordoh, president of UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside; Gail Wolf, vice president of nursing services; and Marie Fioravanti, 3E unit director.

The architects of the garden were Burt Hill Kosar Rittelman Associates; the contractor was A. Martini & Co. Landscaping was done by Nature's Place.