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Research into children's health got a $2 million kickstart today with a donation from the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation and the University of Saskatchewan. (photo submitted/USask)
Children's health donation

Donation creates pediatric research fund at Pattison Children’s Hospital

May 22, 2024 | 4:33 PM

A newly created fund will help researchers learn more about children’s health at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will donate $2 million over the next five years to fund the research of Dr. Terry Klassen, the new head of the provincial pediatric department.

“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,” Klassen said in a news release.

Klassen plans to transform and harmonize pediatric care across the province and include research, teaching and clinical care in that.

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.

The Children’s Hospital is part of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

“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 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.”

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 groundbreaking 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.”

“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.”

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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