UC San Diego Health has announced a gift from local philanthropists Leo and Emma Zuckerman to revitalize the emergency care facilities at the Jacobs Medical Center, the University of California, San Diego’s teaching hospital.

Part of the university’s recently concluded $3 billion fundraising campaign, the gift will establish a transformation and wellness fund for the hospital’s emergency department and support the creation of a wellness center for medical staff. In addition, updates to the physical space will include a reimagined entrance, lobby, and waiting area designed to initiate patient care earlier, a safe area for patients at risk or with serious injury or illness, and a welcoming and efficient check-in process. In recognition of the gift from Leo Zuckernan—the founder and CEO of Merry X-Ray—and his wife, the wellness center will be named in their honor.

“Emergency care is absolutely critical for the health of our community, and we know that the environment for both our patients and the staff that care for them plays an important role in positive outcomes,” said Ted Chan, chair of the UC San Diego department of emergency medicine. “The Zuckermans’ gift will have a positive impact for countless people long into the future.”

(Photo credit: UC San Diego Health)