The Provincial Department Head in Pediatrics says a recent partnership between the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and the University of Saskatchewan will help the hospital reach the next level of patient care.

Dr. Terry Klassen says the Foundation, through their largest investment to date, has donated $2 million over five years to create a research fund in the Department of Pediatrics at USask’s College of Medicine.

He says the money will not only allow for the most cutting-edge health research to take place, but it will also draw specialists to the city.

“Many of the brightest and the best subspecialists want to work in a place where they can continue to do that cutting edge research to be among the best. I really think we’ll see a lot of development in the coming months and years in this regard.”

Klassen says there was recently a $20 million grant awarded federally to address research into rare childhood diseases.

“Because we have this donation, we can now be a player in that national grant, and we can ensure that Saskatchewan children can enter into the trials and other things and have access to these treatments,” he explains. “Hospitals are involved in clinical trials, they have better outcomes with children. Part of it may be just the process of being (involved) in research, but part of it is actually access to the treatment as soon as it’s developed.”

USask medical students will also benefit from the donation, as Klassen will work to enhance pediatric education programs.

The $2 million investment was made possible through the donations of Saskatchewan individuals and companies who believe in the work that takes place at both the University and JPCH.