SASKATOON — The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are joining forces to improve children’s health through greater investment and emphasis on pediatric education and research.
Through their largest investment to date, JPCHF has committed $2 million over five years to create the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Pediatric Research Fund at the Department of Pediatrics based in the College of Medicine at USask.
Under this new partnership, the fund will support the work of Dr. Terry Klassen, the newly appointed provincial pediatric department head, to advance knowledge and care in pediatrics throughout the province. It will help to advance provincial pediatric research and move towards a Learning Health System.
“This significant partnership with the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation will support our shared commitment to providing exceptional pediatric healthcare in Saskatchewan. In addition to supporting the work of new provincial department head in pediatrics, Dr. Terry Klassen, this funding will enhance pediatric education programs for USask medical students and help us lead critical research that will positively impact families in Saskatchewan and beyond,” said Peter Stoicheff, USask president and vice-chancellor.
“As leaders in medical science, our College of Medicine is grateful for partners like the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation that enhance our ability to make a difference in the communities we serve.”
“The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Pediatric Research Fund is a monumental first for Saskatchewan,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, president and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Innovative research transforms health outcomes and this provincial network will play an essential role in discovering significant advances improving children’s health care throughout Saskatchewan.”
Dr. Marilyn Baetz, interim dean at USask’s College of Medicine, said the shared vision for a better future for pediatric care in Saskatchewan is what makes the partnership with JPCHF so strong.
“Dr. Klassen’s outstanding research in pediatric healthcare promises ground breaking discoveries in Saskatchewan,” she said. “The partnership between the College of Medicine and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation highlights the importance of prioritizing patients alongside world class research. We are grateful for JPCHF’s commitment and support, fueling this vital work and ensuring a brighter future for pediatric health care in our province.”
Dr. Klassen will work to transform and harmonize pediatric care in Saskatchewan including all research, teaching and clinical care. As a nationally recognized leader and innovator in pediatrics, Klassen said his vision includes a strong provincial system of health care that works seamlessly for children, youth and their families.
“Through education and research, we can strengthen the network of services we provide for families when emergencies happen or when care is needed, not only in Saskatoon at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, but across the province,” said Klassen.
— Submitted by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation
