An investment of potential: World class care for all children

Mike was one of those kids who, a one point, wasn't expected to live past 4 months because one of his skull plates was growing too quickly. Mike’s parents kept asking for second opinions and searched relentlessly for a doctor who would agree to conduct the risky operation. With only a 25% chance of living through the surgery, it was a serious gamble that paid off.  Unfortunately, Edmonton did not have the ability to support Mike’s family at that time.  Fortunately now,  we have the Stollery Children’s Hospital and those family supports are available. 

The Stollery was formed 11 years ago with many local champions.  Bob and Shirley Stollery, the hospital’s namesakes, had two children with serious medical issues.  As in Mike’s situation, they had to leave Edmonton to get the support and expertise they needed.  Needless to say, the Stollerys didn’t like leaving; however, when there is a desperate need to help your child, parents will do anything.  The establishment of the Stollery Children’s Hospital has ensured that world-class knowledge and expertise stays within our community

 

The Stollery is unique as it is a hospital within a hospital; namely the University of Alberta Hospital, a world class adult hospital and teaching facility.  This hospital collaboration is the only of its kind in Canada.   The Stollery has distinguished itself  in as a leader in treating heart problems and regularly treats patients from across Western Canada. 

 

Other amenities offered by the hospital include two full time school teachers, stress management support for parents and other family members and other help in creating normalcy for families.   There is a reputation of care and ensuring the entirety of a family is supported.

Taking care of children is more costly than caring for adults; approximately 1.5 times more expensive. The Stollery must be equipped to handle the wide range of children from preemies to 17-year-olds.   This means that a wide variety of equipment, specialists and understanding is needed.  Critical care, intensive care and surgical areas are the most needed areas for funding right now.  Also, while there is always need for surgical rooms, sometimes children need more time to recover and ensuring those beds are available, is always a priority. 

 

Monies raised by the Stollery are not for operations.  The money raised is for excellence: to provide equipment and services above and beyond what Alberta Health Services provide.  For example, the purchase of new scanning equipment to scan someone during surgery vs. post surgery to ensure the whole tumor is removed will prevent many complications. 

 

Research done at this facility has also changed protocols, not only locally but around the world. For example, it was specialists at the Stollery who discovered that waiting an additional 45 seconds to cut an umbilical cord substantially increases a baby’s chance of survival and good health.  

 

For more information about the Stollery Children’s Hospital, please visit http://www.stollerykids.com/