For four decades, donors have amazed Foundation staff with their generosity. “The Foundation was established to do what it still does today. That’s to, with the help of many generous people, provide the best equipment for the hospital, its staff and patients,” says CEO Steve Shannon.
Established in 1984, funds raised in early years purchased equipment for the Recovery Room, Intensive Care, and Coronary Care. A focus on technology was crucial as the 1980s were seeing a trend towards shorter hospital stays, and more ambulatory or community care.
Shannon says Foundation donors were soon charged with a monumental task: raising funds for a new building. “The main part of the hospital was 25 years old and some wings even older. All were showing their age.”
In 1985, plans for a new hospital were announced; it opened eight years later in October, 1993. Designed with its surroundings in mind, patient wards overlook Kinsmen Park, and nearby river.
What was in the new hospital was even more important. Surgical, lab, and research facilities were state-of-the-art and are still that way. As the hospital opened, it was determined the new facility would house specialties such as geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, ophthalmology, and medical training for those disciplines.
Other unique features added include the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre, and the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre of Care, Breast Health Centre. In 2008, Saskatoon City Hospital added day surgery, outpatient specialist visits, and longer term rehabilitation as key treatment programs.
The hospital also sees a busy Operating Room, Diagnostic Imaging and Endoscopy departments, a Women’s Health Centre, a Sleep Disorder Centre, an ALS Clinic, a Clinical Treatment Centre, Convalescent and Transitional Care Units, and a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit.
“Its role as an ambulatory care facility is why 95 per cent of patients who visit go home that same day,” Shannon says. “City Hospital offers full services within the cycle of diagnostics, treatment, and recovery. Other hospitals are important because they’ll save your life but Saskatoon City Hospital will give you your life back.”
This is thanks to donor support, Shannon says. “For 40 years, people have taken ownership of the hospital and been partners in its care model. The hospital is successful, and so many patients are successfully diagnosed, treated and recover because of you, the donor.
“Your support has been the difference for 40 years. I’m confident it will be for 40 more!”