June 12, 2017
EDMONTON — A campaign to advance the world-class brain centre at the University of Alberta Hospital is taking another step forward with the Government of Alberta’s plan to advance a business case for an expanded neuro intensive care unit (ICU).
The University Hospital Foundation’s Brain Centre Campaign has raised more than $43 million since launching in 2011. The campaign volunteers are committed to supporting the vision of an expanded neuro ICU with private rooms and access to daylight and quiet spaces for patients and their families in order to create an optimal healing environment. The space will also improve co-ordination of care from diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation, and add much-needed capacity to U of A Hospital.
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman has asked the Ministry of Infrastructure to proceed with the development of a business case for the neuro ICU, which will determine the timelines and cost of this project.
“Over the years, we’ve seen the community’s generous gifts to the Brain Centre Campaign lead to significant advancements in brain care at the University of Alberta Hospital,” says Hoffman.
“I am proud of our partnership with the University Hospital Foundation and Alberta Health Services to improve and save lives of Albertans and patients from across Western Canada.”
To date, the Brain Centre Campaign has funded:
“The Brain Centre Campaign is a tremendous example of what community support and partnership at its best looks like,” says Guy Scott, Co-Chair of the Brain Centre Campaign Cabinet.
Adds fellow co-chair Jim Brown: “We are grateful that development of a business case for the redeveloped neuro ICU is going ahead. This is a crucial component of our campaign and, when it’s complete, the University of Alberta Hospital will provide seamless, world-class diagnosis, care and treatment for patients with conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, brain tumours, head trauma, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).”
Dr. Keith Aronyk, Clinical Department Head for Neurosciences with Alberta Health Services (AHS), says the campaign has already led to “tremendous advances” in brain care at the hospital.
“No initiative in Alberta could affect the lives of so many people in such a profound way,” says Dr. Aronyk. “A redeveloped neuro ICU is a key part of this project.”
AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu agrees.
“As a centre of excellence in acute care, and the only Level 1 trauma centre serving central and northern Alberta, this hospital is essential to the health of millions of Albertans,” she says. “As Alberta’s population expands and average lifespan grows, providing timely access to the highest level of care becomes an even greater challenge. The Brain Centre Campaign is helping the health system meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges."
Visit braincentrecampaign.ca for more information.
The University Hospital Foundation raises funds to support innovation and excellence at the University of Alberta Hospital, Kaye Edmonton Clinic and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Nicole Merrifield
University Hospital Foundation
780-407-6937
Christi Retson-Spalding
Alberta Health Services
780-860-3629