ISMETT: 20th Anniversary with expansion of facility

On May 16, 2017 ISMETT  celebrated  its 20th Anniversary with the opening of the new cardiac and pediatric surgery spaces.

ISMETT, created in 1997 from an international partnership between the Region of Sicily and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), is involved in important research projects designed to provide patients with the most advanced therapies for end-stage vital organ failure. In 2014,with a decree signed by the Italian Minister of Health, ISMETT was acknowledged as an IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) for “End-stage organ failure treatment and research”. Today is the first Italian hospital dedicated entirely to all solid organ (liver, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas) transplants.

Over these first two decades, ISMETT has become a center of excellence in the field of transplantation, and a reference hospital for the entire Mediterranean area. The first transplant performed at ISMETT in June 1999 was the first liver transplant ever performed in Sicily.  As of today, over 1900 transplants have been performed : 80 regarding children, and more than 1000 regarding liver transplants. Of  these , 116 are living donor liver transplants.  In 2016 over 1550 surgeries, 4612 highly specialized procedures and more than 2800 admissions took place.

The new spaces

The construction work started in 2012. The general project was divided into three functional lots, each independent of the other. The three construction lots, even if independent, integrate completely, creating one very functional and harmonious complex. To connect the new spaces with the main building, a futuristic connecting bridge has been built to allow the transit of patients, stretchers, and staff. The south wing will host the new area dedicated to the pediatric abdominal surgery activity. The new Pediatrics Department, with 10 large single patient rooms, a day hospital and outpatient clinic, a playroom, a medication room, in addition to offices and general services. The north wing will host 23 adult patient beds (11 double rooms, and 1 single room), a lounge, and a medication room, in addition to offices and general services. The central area will host a locker room and offices.

National and regional authorities, UPMC, and ISMETT Top Management attended the event:

• Angelo Luca, Director, ISMETT IRCCS
• Salvatore Camiolo, President Advisory Committee, ISMETT IRCCS
• Camillo Ricordi, President Board of Directors, ISMETT IRCCS
• Jeffrey A. Romoff, President and Chief Executive Officer, UPMC
• Leoluca Orlando, Mayor of Palermo
• Paolo Aquilanti, Secretary General, Presidency of the Italian Council of Ministers
• Baldo Gucciardi, Health Commissioner, Region of Sicily
• Rosario Crocetta, President, Region of Sicily
• Beatrice Lorenzin, Italian Minister of Health (video message)

Download the ISMETT  Facts & Figures brochure.

ISMETT 1997:  The groundbreaking ceremony with Ministry of Health Mrs. Rosy Bindi and the Major of Town Mr. Leoluca Orlando

ISMETT 2017: 20th Anniversary and the opening of the new cardiac and pediatric surgery spaces