November 20, 2017

BMO Celebrates National Child’s Day with $250,000 Gift to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation

BMO Financial Group is helping Saskatchewan celebrate National Child Day with a $250,000 donation for a new Quiet/Consult Room in Pediatric Outpatients at the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Launched in 1993, National Child’s Day was created as a commitment to act in the best interests of children, giving them a voice, and ensuring they have appropriate access to services like health care and protection from harm.

“BMO is proud to support Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and help bring the vision of a family-centred health care space to life,” said Donna Francis, Regional Vice President, Saskatoon Rural North Market, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This gift will touch so many families in the Saskatchewan community and offer comfort during difficult times.”

Located just steps from the busy main waiting area in Pediatric Outpatients, the new Quiet/Consult Room will be available for families to meet with their child’s medical care team to review diagnostic results, discuss medical findings and/or talk about treatment options. Young patients in Pediatric Outpatients will be treated for a range of health related issues including pediatric cardiology, oncology, pulmonary function, audiology, speech therapy, psychiatry and more.

The new Quiet Consult Room would have been a big help for the Peters Garneau family when their eight-year-old son Carson was diagnosed with a rare genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos syndrome.  The condition causes fragility in the skin and internal organs. There is a defect in the skin’s collagen and patients often have complications with hyper-mobility, easy bruising and tearing of the skin, detached retinas, dislocations, bone breakage, and joint pain.

“When Carson was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a private consult room would have been very beneficial,” says Carson’s mom Carla Peters. “The very moment you hear there is something wrong with your child, your whole world comes crashing down. There are so many thoughts racing through your head and your eyes fill with tears. It’s a life altering moment. A quiet, private room with no distractions is needed for families going through similar situations.”

“Hospitals are busy environments, and this important space will give families a moment to catch their breath and allow them the time and space to properly digest medical updates in order to make the right treatment decisions for their child,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We thank BMO for recognizing this need and supporting Saskatchewan families.”

Providing sensitive and comprehensive support to every child and family is central to family-centered care.  At Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, the entire family unit will be encouraged to take part in their child’s care plan, with parents and family members playing a vital role in helping their children cope with required treatments, surgery and/or hospitalization. With the support of their family and care team, children are able to cope much more successfully with healthcare experiences, which can lead to a more positive sense of self and healthier regard for medical procedures.

BMO’s gift will go towards Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s “We Can’t Wait” capital campaign, which has accumulated $54 million towards a campaign goal of a minimum of $75 million. Construction on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is on schedule and over 72% complete.