Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center takes shape

Things are taking shape at the new site for the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center at Sharp HealthCare in Kearny Mesa. In just a few months since, Sharp HealthCare leadership along with The Conrad Prebys Foundation broke ground for what will be the most cutting-edge teaching facility for San Diego, complete with a 375-seat auditorium, simulation center, nursing institute and innovation and technology immersion hub.

The Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center at Sharp HealthCare was named in recognition of their $5 million challenge grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation to date, more than $10.7 million has been raised.

The capital project is comprised of a 70,000-square-foot, four-story addition to Sharp’s corporate headquarters made possible with building partners McCarthy and Hanna Gabriel Wells.

“Our new center will act as the hub for all Sharp innovation, furthering our vision to be the best place to work, practice medicine and receive care,” said Sharp President and CEO Chris Howard. “The SPIEC is one of the most important projects in Sharp’s history and is certain to play an important role in bolstering our region’s reputation as a health care innovator and leader.”

Howard added that the SPIEC will feature state-of-the-art spaces housing an auditorium and conference rooms; a Simulation Center to enhance caregiver knowledge and skills; a Technology Immersion Lab for open-access research and demonstrations; and community engagement facilities to serve San Diegans.

Over the next decade, Sharp is investing $2 billion in the future of health care in San Diego. The innovation program will have an early emphasis on advanced technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as the development of new facilities, to attract the best and brightest clinicians and staff. The Foundations of Sharp are projecting a philanthropic investment of $250 million; including $20 million for the SPIEC. Nearly $1 million was raised in just six months after the Prebys challenge grant was announced.

The balance of the total cost of $75 million for the SPIEC, new parking structure and improvements to the existing Sharp corporate offices will be provided through cash reserves and bond financing. The project is planned for completion in spring of 2023.

In collaboration with the Caster Nursing Institute and Center for Education and Technology, the Center will also provide simulation experiences for inter-professional team members including nurses and physicians, especially in the areas of clinical team training. The Caster Nursing Institute helps generate new professional nurses and provide advance practice and education for the nearly 6,800 nurses at Sharp. The Caster Nursing Institute along with four patient care simulation labs, will strengthen clinical performance and best practices that will translate to ever-greater care for patients. The center will facilitate both hands-on and virtual training throughout the system and between Sharp and other leading health care systems. This will create a nucleus for high-quality care and risk abatement.

To learn more about how you can support the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center, contact Beverly Codallos.