$10 million gift from Pete and Dawn Irving and family to advance cardiac and stroke care at the critical care center
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is preparing to transform heart and stroke care in Southwest Florida with the development of the new R.M. Schulze Family Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center.
The ambitious $295 million project has taken a significant step forward thanks to a $10 million gift from longtime community supporters Pete and Dawn Irving. The Irvings, who have made NCH their charity of choice for years, say their contribution is deeply personal.
“Heart disease and stroke touch so many lives, including our own family and friends,” the couple said in a joint statement. “We wanted to make a difference that would last for generations, ensuring the very best care is available right here in Naples.”
Their gift will specifically fund the Cardiac Imaging Wing on the third floor—an area NCH leaders say will become a cornerstone of advanced cardiovascular diagnostics.
Construction on the Schulze Center began earlier this year and is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. Once open, the facility will unite cutting-edge technology, expert multidisciplinary teams, and specialized resources under one roof to provide lifesaving care when seconds matter most. It will integrate interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, structural heart programs, advanced imaging, and heart failure management in a single location.
“This isn’t just about a new building,” explained Dr. Robert Cubeddu, president of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute. “It’s about embedding the DNA of an elite cardiovascular program into our community. Patients will have access to everything from prevention to the most complex interventions—without leaving Southwest Florida.”
NCH officials emphasize that the Schulze Center is designed to rival leading programs nationwide, positioning Naples as a destination for world-class cardiovascular care.
With the Irvings’ latest commitment, community donors have raised over $200 million toward the $295 million goal.
“This is philanthropy at its best,” said Scott Lutgert, chairman of the NCH Board of Trustees. NCH President and CEO Paul Hiltz added, “Together, we are building a heart, stroke, and vascular program that will not only serve Southwest Florida but set a new standard nationwide.”
The Irvings’ gift will directly strengthen the cardiac imaging program, central to diagnosing and treating complex cases. Dr. Dee Dee Wang, section head of cardiac imaging at NCH and a world-renowned expert, underscored its importance:
“Advanced imaging allows us to treat the most challenging conditions with precision. With this support, patients in Naples will have access to the same caliber of care found at the nation’s top heart hospitals.”
The new Cardiac Imaging Wing will expand services to include 2D and 3D echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), stress echocardiography, and specialized 3D TEE for conditions such as mitral valve disease and atrial septal defects. These tools provide real-time images of heart structure and function, guiding physicians from early diagnosis to surgical planning and long-term management.
NCH already has a reputation for excellence—ranked among America’s Top 50 Hospitals by Healthgrades and recognized as one of the Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care. It is also the region’s only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center and consistently ranks among Florida’s top providers of cardiac care.
Beyond its two hospitals—NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital, with a combined 713 beds—the system comprises an alliance of more than 750 physicians and numerous facilities across Southwest Florida. NCH also partners with nationally recognized institutions, including the Hospital for Special Surgery (orthopedics), Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (pediatrics), and ProScan Imaging (radiology).
For the Irvings, the gift reflects a broader philosophy: “We have always believed in giving back to the community that has given us so much.”
With their support and that of countless others, the R.M. Schulze Family Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center is on track to redefine cardiac and stroke care in Southwest Florida for generations to come.