For information prior to 2002 please contact the Public Relations Office.

2009 News:

• October 2, 2009
  New Buhler Gallery Exhibition Opens
  Perspectives: Robert Houle & Tim Schouten

• September 28, 2009
  Province Invests $2 Million in Rennovations, Expansion of Maternity Services at St. Boniface Hospital

• September 16, 2009
  Better for patient care and staff
  St. Boniface Hospital opens new Emergency Triage Area

• February 13, 2009
  The Street/La rue
  Contemporary Photography Exhibition Opens at Buhler Gallery
  

2008 News:

• June 13, 2008
  Buhler Gallery Features Works by St. Boniface General Hospital Staff June 13 – September 7

• February 8, 2008
  New Buhler Gallery Exhibition Opening
  Roger Lafrenière and Brigitte Dion: Place – Colour and Light

• February 5, 2008
  Buhler Gallery inaugurates the installation of a new sculpture Awakening ‘the moment between dark and light’

2007 News:

• October 1, 2007
  Dr. Grant Pierce receives Canadian Academy of Health Sciences honour
  
• September 21, 2007
  St. Boniface General Hospital opens Buhler Gallery, Manitoba’s first hospital art gallery thanks to $500,000 donation
  

2006 News:

• December 14, 2006
  Bergen Cardiac Care Centre opens at St. Boniface General Hospital
  
  
• October 31, 2006
  I.H. Asper Asper Clinical Research Institute to House State-of-the-Art Cardiac Surgery Facility
  
  
• September 19, 2006
  St. Boniface General Hospital Staff Enjoy New Fitness Facilities
  
  
• September 8, 2006
  Stuart Murray announced as new president/CEO of St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation
  
  
• May 30, 2006
  St. Boniface General Hospital Opens Atrium, Announces First Hospital Based Art Gallery
  
  
• April 3, 2006
  Hryshko Appointed Director of Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

2005 News:

• November 8, 2005
  $5 million to fund the expansion of the National Centre for Agrifood Research in Medicine (NCARM), located at both the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre and the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute
  
  
• June 27, 2005
  St. Boniface Honours Canadian HIV/Aids Work in Africa with 2005 International Award
  
  
• May 31, 2005
  Construction of new Bergen Cardiac Care Centre begins at St. Boniface General Hospital
  
  
• May 6, 2005
  Funding AG-Food Research Leads to Benefits in Medicine
  
  
• March 14, 2005
  St. Boniface General Hospital Recognized for its Elder Friendly Program
  
  
• January 6, 2005
  Appointment of Dr. Michel Tétreault as President and CEO

2004 News:

• November 19, 2004
  St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation To Hold Annual Radiothon de l'espoir CKSB 1050
  
  
• November 15, 2004
  St. Boniface General Hospital Announces the Retirement of its CEO, Hubert Gauthier
  
  
• September 16, 2004
  St. Boniface General Hospital Unveils Bust of late Senator Ronald Duhamel
  

• August 27, 2004
  $150,000 Donation puts St. Boniface $25 million heartcare campaign over the top
  

• June 30, 2004
  SBGH Starts Construction of New Atrium

2003 News:

• July 9, 2003
  Winnipeg’s St. Boniface General Hospital First in North America to Implant Innovative Heart Valve -- St. Jude Medical’s Biocor™ valve now approved for use in Canada
  
  
• June 17, 2003
  New Cancer Treatment System Moves from the Laboratory to Patient Care
  
  
• February 13, 2003
  Mr. Hubert Gauthier, President, St. Boniface General Hospital responded to today’s announcement by the Medical Examiner that he would be calling an inquest into the death of a patient in the hospital’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit in January 2002
  
  
• January 29, 2003
  Province unveils new CT scanners for Health Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital
  
  
• January 24, 2003
  Western Economic Diversification Takes Research Initiative To Heart

2002 News:

• November 25, 2002
  $19.3 million announced for medical equipment
  
  
• October 22, 2002
  Biotechnology commercialization successes boost Manitoba's national profile: Mihychuk
  
  
• September 20, 2002
  Minister leads delegation to sign agreement with world's leading surgery centre
  
  
• September 10, 2002
  New opportunities provided by Manitoba Telehealth - St. Boniface General Hospital Officially Launches Telehealth Site
  
  
• February 1, 2002
  St. Boniface breaks ground for new I.H Asper Clinical Research Institute

October 2, 2009

New Buhler Gallery Exhibition Opening
Perspectives: Robert Houle & Tim Schouten

Winnipeg -- The Buhler Gallery is pleased to announce its new exhibition Perspectives: Robert Houle & Tim Schouten, which opened Thursday, October 1, 2009, and runs until Sunday, January 17, 2010.

The exhibition features the work of Robert Houle and Tim Schouten and examines some of the key moments of Manitoba and Western Canadian history, including the First Nations Treaty sites in Manitoba, spirituality and the prairie landscape.

Both artists have created works in this exhibition that look at Treaty One of August 3, 1871. The pairing of Houle and Schouten has a particular resonance in southern Manitoba given their individual preoccupations portraying past events and places which have shaped modern Manitoba and defined many contemporary issues. Each of these artists does so from his unique perspective, yet they share knowledge of the significance of these events and treaty sites. Robert Houle’s Anishnabe ancestry is long; Tim Schouten is representative of the 18th and 19th century European immigrants to Manitoba.

In his work, Houle examines Canadian historical events, places, words, and spiritual connections, the roots and intersections of Aboriginal and European cultures and histories. Houle poses questions through his works about the cultural issues of the First Nations in Canada’s history focusing on identity and spirituality. He layers past with present and personal reflections with political situations, incorporating his deep understanding of both the First Nations’ and European spiritualities.

Treaty lands have been the focus of Tim Schouten’s work since 1995, addressing shared histories and long term consequences resulting from the eleven Manitoba Treaties with the First Nations. The landscape is his primary entry point. Drawing from history and his own sensibility for the prairie landscape, Schouten has visited each treaty site, researched the treaties and their subsequent impacts, interviewed First Nations elders and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal historians and ‘built’ his works to underline our shared histories.

Both artists share a deep respect for and love of the prairie, its history, its geography and its people. Through these powerful reflections of our place, its history, strength, beauty, light and spirituality, Houle and Schouten simultaneously provide us with a challenge, the opportunity to understand the multi-layered meaning of culture with the hope of ensuring a richer, positive future.

The gallery, located near the St. Boniface General Hospital main entrance, is free and open to the public from Monday - Friday 10:00am - 8:00pm
SATURDAY & SUNDAY noon - 4:00pm
* closed on statutory holidays

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For more information, contact Tany Gagro, St. Boniface Hospital Atrium Manager, 237-2309.

September 28, 2009

Province Invests $2 Million in Rennovations, Expansion of Maternity Services at St. Boniface Hospital

Click here for full news release.

September 16, 2009

Better for patient care and staff
St. Boniface Hospital opens new Emergency Triage Area

Winnipeg - The Honourable Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health today opened St. Boniface Hospital’s newly renovated triage, registration and waiting room.

The $645,000 renovation was funded by Manitoba Health through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority after a review last fall of city emergency departments.

“This project will help to ensure high-quality care is delivered quickly to the critically-ill patients who need it most,” Oswald said. “Ensuring patient visibility in the waiting room by Emergency Department staff will strengthen the delivery of safe emergency patient care.”

"The St. Boniface Hospital Emergency Room is an integral part of our emergency room system in Winnipeg," says Dr. Brian Postl, CEO, WRHA. "This redesign is better for patients and will also help the staff, who often work under pressure, to function better on a day to day basis."

The renovations which open today included creating additional space, relocating washrooms and redesigning the work space to allow nurses, registration clerks and security to have a full view of everyone in the waiting room.

“The redesign of the point of entry to our Emergency Department was a key element to improving patient care and safety at St. Boniface,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO, St. Boniface Hospital. “We have not only redesigned the physical space of our triage, registration and waiting area so that patients are visible, we have also taken this opportunity to review the overall process to reduce the steps between triage and initial assessment by the nurse and registration so that patients can be seen in a more appropriate and timely manner.”

The final stage, set to begin tomorrow, will create new bathroom facilities and should be completed by November.

“With this renovation nearly complete, we are now focusing on improving the flow of patients through the Emergency,” said Tétreault. “We are grateful to the Minister and the WRHA for their support of our redesign, and look forward to providing better care to the people of Winnipeg.

For further information call:

Hélène Vrignon
Hôpital général St-Boniface General Hospital
ph: 204 235-3557
fax: 204-231-0647
hvrignon@sbgh.mb.ca

Heidi Graham
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
204.926.7178
204.223.9089 (c)
hgraham@wrha.mb.ca

February 13, 2009

The Street/La rue
Contemporary Photography Exhibition Opens at Buhler Gallery

Winnipeg – The Buhler Gallery is proud to host The Street, an exhibition on loan from the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, an affiliate museum of the National Gallery of Canada.

The Street depicts various street scenes, a favourite subject of photographers since photography’s early beginnings. The exhibition aims to capture street life by focusing on the shifting boundaries between public places and private spaces. The Street highlights the work of six photographers: Robert Frank, Tom Gibson, Dave Heath, Michael Schreier, Robert Walker and Justin Wonnacott. Click here for information about the artists.

The exhibition will be on view at the Buhler Gallery of St. Boniface General Hospital until April 17.

As part of the exhibition, several special events are planned. The public is invited to attend.

Panel Discussion with Don Reichert, Sheila Spence and Phil Hossack:
Thursday, February 26 – 2:00 p.m.

"Why Do We Take Pictures? And What Do We See?” will be held Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. Panelists Phil Hossack, Winnipeg Free Press photojournalist, and artists Don Reichert and Sheila Spence, will share their perspectives on street photography. Photographs record a moment in time. Do they reveal something about the subject of the photo? Why are we interested in looking at photographs of strangers? What stories do we attach to these faces? The public is invited to attend the discussion and further reflect on the nature of photography and share their personal experiences with photography.

Martha Hanna, Director, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography:
Guest Speaker: Friday, February 27 – 7:30 p.m.

The Buhler Gallery is pleased to welcome guest speaker and CMCP Director Martha Hanna on Friday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m. An expert in contemporary photography, Ms. Hanna has been the curator of many exhibitions and publications in the field.

The exhibition is open to the public. For more information on the Buhler Gallery hours, phone 235-3392.

The Buhler Gallery opened its doors on September 21, 2007, and was made possible thanks to a generous donation by John and Bonnie Buhler. The 1400 square foot Buhler Gallery is located in the historic former entrance of St. Boniface General Hospital, built in 1914, and is accessible to patients and the public through the Atrium.

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June 13, 2008

Buhler Gallery Features Works by St. Boniface General Hospital Staff June 13 – September 7

Oasis, the Buhler Gallery’s 1st juried art exhibition, opened to the public on Friday, June 13 and features the work of 38 staff from all areas of St. Boniface General Hospital. Works include photography, painting, drawings, ceramics, textiles and stained glass, and reflect the theme “oasis” which is in keeping with the goals and mandate of St. Boniface General Hospital’s Buhler Gallery.

According to Jennifer Gibson, Art Curator at the University of Winnipeg, and artist Bill Lobchuk, who acted as jurors for the exhibition:

“As one might expect with an open juried exhibition, there were a large number of photographs submitted, perhaps because photography is viewed as a very accessible art form. Indeed, nearly half of the entries were of this medium. Those that stand out in my mind were Michael DeSchutter’s Nature’s Dreamcatcher and Jon Adaskin’s untitled study of a wooden boat pulled ashore. We were also pleased to see work in various other media such as painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and stained glass. Among the paintings, we were intrigued by David Kehrer’s mysterious portrait studies. Nancy Tremblay’s pencil drawing Up in the Air is unique for its fanciful depiction of a castle top hovering over a dove.”

Interpretations on the theme “oasis” include many peaceful landscapes, colourful floral studies and religious symbolism. In addition to works by staff, the Gallery features some wonderful pieces donated or on loan to the hospital by artists such as Judith Allsop, E.J. Howorth, Don Proch, Tony Tascona, Joe Fafard and Eva Stubbs.

The exhibition will be open to the public. For more information on the Buhler Gallery hours phone 235-3392.

The Buhler Gallery is located in St. Boniface General Hospital, and was made possible thanks to a generous donation by John and Bonnie Buhler. The 1400 square foot Buhler Gallery is located in the hospital’s historic former entrance, built in 1914, and is accessible to patients and the public through the Atrium.

February 8, 2008

New Buhler Gallery Exhibition Opening
Roger Lafrenière and Brigitte Dion: Place – Colour and Light

The Buhler Gallery is pleased to invite the public to visit a new exhibition starting February 8, 2008.

Roger Lafrenière and Brigitte Dion: Place – Colour and Light, an exhibition by two Manitoba artists explores the convergences and differences between their work, presenting their shared interest in colour, light and space, in abstraction and landscape. Struck by the intense beauty of the prairies, each artist creates landscapes based on their personal reflections, impressions and attitudes towards the land, describing what it feels like to live on the prairies. As a result, their painting techniques demonstrate a break from what many consider a traditional type.

Lafrenière proposes his intuitive approach to painting landscapes, allowing him to present unique and personal views of the prairie: “By replacing the intellectual with intuition, my recent work concentrates on the deconstruction of the prairie landscape…. As much as possible I do not attempt to render with fidelity the static elements of the land because this would reduce the depth and scope of my work. However, I do attempt to capture the cosmic essence of the landscape without constraints and to reflect the trademark luminosity of the Canadian prairies.”

Similarly, Dion’s paintings fulfill her need to articulate personal views and outlooks. The nostalgic themes present in her prairie landscapes reflect the love and acceptance she has for her sense of home: “I want to translate what I see into something tangible, and add to it what is important; the essence of what I find interesting, beautiful or curious. Art is my strongest form of communication and coupled with passion, satisfies my need to create, communicate and document.

St. Boniface General Hospital and the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation would like to thank the Johnston Group for their sponsorship of this exhibition, the Mayberry Gallery for their installation assistance and to RBC’s Francophone Services for their generous support.

This exhibition will be open to the public from February 8 to April 28, 2008. This exhibition is the second presented by the new Buhler Gallery. For more information on the Buhler Gallery hours phone 235-3392

The Buhler Gallery is located in St. Boniface General Hospital, and was made possible thanks to a generous donation by John and Bonnie Buhler. The 1400 square foot Buhler Gallery is located in the hospital’s historic former entrance, built in 1914, and is accessible to patients and the public through the Atrium.

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February 5, 2008
Buhler Gallery inaugurates the installation of a new sculpture
Awakening ‘the moment between dark and light’

Winnipeg – February 5, 2008 – The Buhler Gallery will be unveiling a work by local, professional glass artist George W. Shannon entitled: ‘Awakening, ‘the moment between dark and light’ on Thursday, February 7, 2008.

Created especially for the St. Boniface General Hospital by the artist, Awakening is a thought provoking, intricate sculpture of kiln-formed and fused glass, representing the journey of life. It will be installed in the Buhler Gallery for the enjoyment of patients and visitors. Another of Shannon’s work entitled “Odyssey’ can be seen in the hospital’s Atrium, a part of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation’s commemorative wall.

“Awakening ‘the moment between dark and light’ is the visual representation of the moment ‘it’ all becomes clear to us” says Shannon. “Whatever ‘it’ is is distinctive and unique to each person. My hope is that this piece will make people pause, breathe, and clear their heads for a few moments.”

One side is abundant in colour and detail, depicting the minutia that fills our lives. As you continue to move through the piece and closer to the centre things start to become clear. Follow the journey through Awakening and the use of light, translucent glass represents a sense of clarity that is associated with the calm that follows when a decision is finally made and accepted, or an idea is realized. 

All of this is set within a larger visual: a grove of trees with myriad roots and branches; a sunrise; a night sky; bright, shiny stars.  Visitors may appreciate Awakening as a remarkable work of art, or prefer to delve a little deeper and find a deeper meaning within it. “To me, the stars represent the people we meet along this path called ‘life’. Whether a star is fading away, shining brightly, or a shooting star – they are the ones that we see so briefly but leave their mark forever,” explains Shannon.  “There is a lot going on in this piece, and I would like for people to have their own ideas about it, not necessarily be influenced by mine”.

“We are so grateful for the donation of this extraordinary work of art by George Shannon,” said Stuart Murray, President and CEO of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. “George is an artist of tremendous compassion and his work is especially fitting for a healthcare institution.  His art is an indication of his strong and passionate commitment and St .Boniface is the beneficiary of that commitment.” 

George W. Shannon is co-proprietor of “On the Edge Glass Studio” with Pat Torlen in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Utilizing traditional and contemporary glass-work techniques, the Studio also incorporates progressive sandblasting and carving, kiln-work, and airbrushing techniques in its creations. In addition to designing works for a large residential and commercial clientele across North America, the studio’s pieces can also be found in private collections in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

A new exhibition opens to the public February 8. The Buhler Gallery is located in St. Boniface General Hospital, and was made possible thanks to a generous donation by John and Bonnie Buhler. The 1400 square foot Buhler Gallery is located in the hospital’s historic former entrance, built in 1914, and is accessible to patients and the public through the Atrium. For information about Buhler Gallery hours, call 235-3392

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October 1, 2007
Dr. Grant Pierce receives Canadian Academy of Health Sciences honour

Winnipeg, Canada – Dr. Grant N. Pierce, Executive Director of Research at St. Boniface General Hospital, has been admitted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.  Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honours for members of the Canadian health sciences community. Fellows of the Academy are elected on the basis of their demonstrated leadership, creativity, distinctive competencies and commitment to advance academic health sciences.

“This is a tremendous honour”, says Dr. Pierce. “I look forward to serving the Academy and representing St. Boniface and the University of Manitoba in its distinctive community”.

Dr. Pierce has received many awards, including those from the American Heart Association, the International Society for Heart Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in recognition of research excellence.  He has published over 175 research manuscripts and written or edited 7 textbooks on a variety of topics concerning metabolism, nutrition and cardiovascular health.  Dr. Pierce has served on the Editorial Boards of the top basic science cardiovascular journals, and has been invited to give over 125 lectures at meetings and Universities throughout the world.

“The St. Boniface General Hospital community is proud to have one of its own named to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO, St. Boniface General Hospital. “Dr. Pierce is deserving of this nomination which recognizes his significant contribution to the field of health sciences.”

Dr. Pierce joins 5 other Winnipeg members of the Academy - many with close ties to St. Boniface Hospital, including Drs Allan Ronald, Henry Friesen, Naranjan Dhalla, Lindsay Nicole, and Frank Plummer.

CAHS Fellows provide comprehensive advice on the request of federal, provincial or territorial governments, government agencies, academic and health institutions, NGO’s, professional societies, and private organizations on important health matters.  The Academy serves as a vast resource of expertise to inform an ongoing advisory process.

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) recognizes individuals of great accomplishment and achievement in the academic health sciences in Canada. The Academy provides timely, informed and unbiased assessments of urgent issues affecting the health of Canadians.

CAHS represents Canada on the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP), a global consortium of national health science academies whose aim is to alleviate the health burdens of the world's poorest people; build scientific capacity for health; and provide independent scientific advice on promoting health science and health care policy to national governments and global organizations.

CAHS works in partnership with the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering to form the three Member Academies of the Council of Canadian Academies.  For more information on the CAHS, go to www.cahs-acss.ca/

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For more information contact:
 
Bill Peters
Communications and Media Specialist
St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre
(204) 258-1325
bpeters@sbrc.ca

St. Boniface General Hospital opens Buhler Gallery, Manitoba’s first hospital art gallery thanks to $500,000 donation

Winnipeg, Canada – St. Boniface General Hospital today celebrated the opening of the Buhler Gallery, Manitoba’s first art gallery in a hospital. The 1400 sq foot space is located in the hospital’s former entrance built in 1914 and is the final stage in the development of the hospital’s atrium, which opened in May 2006.

“The gallery is intended to create an oasis of calm and beauty, connecting people to the healing benefits of art,” said Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital. “Our hope is that the new art gallery will assist the hospital in realizing its vision to create a warmer environment for patients and families.”

St. Boniface General Hospital’s vision was realized thanks to a $500,000 donation from John and Bonnie Buhler, donors to St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation.

“We are thrilled to give back to the hospital that cared so deeply for my mother, Lorna Telford, during the end stages of her life,” said Bonnie Buhler. “Our family is so proud to have been given the opportunity to create something wonderful and we hope that visitors to the new gallery enjoy it as much as we do.” John and Bonnie Buhler are owners of Buhler Industries Inc., one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of farm implements and one of Manitoba’s most prominent businesses.

“We simply cannot thank John and Bonnie Buhler enough for their contribution towards the betterment of St. Boniface General Hospital and our community,” said Stuart Murray, President and CEO of St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. “The Buhler’s donation has not only supported the development of the gallery but ensured ongoing support through the establishment of the John and Bonnie Buhler Endowment Fund.”

In addition to the Buhler’s donation, Dr. Brendan MacDougall, a St. Boniface physician, donated a grand piano to the new space.

The Buhler Gallery’s inaugural exhibits, to be showcased until January 2008, include John and Bonnie Buhler’s personal collection of original illustrations by artist Sheila McGraw from Robert Munsch’s international bestseller “Love You Forever”, 20 paintings, and other art pieces from the hospital’s collection. Several other works of art have also been donated or loaned to the hospital and will form part of the inaugural exhibits.

Artists have been integral to many developments at St. Boniface General Hospital over the past 25 years, with the donation of works by a number of Western Canadian artists, and more recently with the presence of musicians and artists on patient units and in public spaces. The concept of a gallery grew from these experiences and has attracted the interest and support of many individuals in the community.

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For more information:
Hélène Vrignon
St. Boniface General Hospital
Public Relations (204) 237-2323
hvrignon@sbgh.mb.ca
dgoulet@sbgh.mb.ca

Jill Gibson, Communications Manager
St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation
(204) 235-3966
jgibson@sbgh.mb.ca
www.saintboniface.ca

.

December 14, 2006
Bergen Cardiac Care Centre opens at St. Boniface General Hospital

Winnipeg – December 14, 2006 – Health Minister Theresa Oswald and representatives from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and St. Boniface General Hospital today officially opened the Bergen Cardiac Centre.

“Improving cardiac services is a key commitment of this government," said Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health.  "The province has invested $16.8 million in the development of the cardiac services enhancement project, which is an important part of the larger provincial and regional plan to better serve the needs of people suffering from heart disease in Manitoba.”

Dr. Brian Postl, President and CEO of the WRHA said, ‘The opening of this new centre and the recently announced decision to consolidate cardiac surgery in the Asper Institute are both significant steps towards completing the implementation of all the major recommendations of the Koshal Report. This will establish St. Boniface as a centre of excellence in Cardiac Sciences, not just in the province, but nationally as well.”

“The construction of these two new floors has allowed St. Boniface and the region to relocate most of the cardiology services in one central location within the hospital, a significant improvement for both patients receiving care and the staff who provide it,” said Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital. “St. Boniface is now the centre of a new age in cardiac care here in Manitoba showcasing new and exciting opportunities and advancements in prevention, treatment, education and research that will improve and save the lives of people suffering from heart disease.”

The 20.5$ million dollar Bergen Cardiac Care Centre includes two cardiac catheterization labs, arrhythmia device implant procedure rooms, electrophysiology and ablation procedure rooms, suites for echocardiography, EKG, pacemaker and defibrillator clinics, and general and specialized cardiology clinics.

“The consolidation of St. Boniface’s cardiology services within this new space was made possible thanks to the significant contribution of partners such as the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation who launched a 25$ million fundraising campaign to make heart care possible at St. Boniface,” adds Tétreault. “The generosity of our donors and the strong support of all of the partners involved have made this new Centre a reality.”

Aidan O'Brien, Chair of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation said they are many people to thank for making the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre a reality. "All Manitobans should take great pride in this centre because they're the ones who made it happen," said O'Brien. "Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Bergen family and our entire community."

Martin Bergen and family, for whom the Centre has been named, were in attendance to mark the opening of the Centre. The real estate developer and his family donated $2 million to the project through the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation’s Heart Care Campaign.

“Heart disease affects us all and we felt St. Boniface was the best place for us to make an impact in battling the disease,” said Miriam Bergen, daughter of Martin Bergen. “My father and late mother always advocated community involvement and we feel this new Centre will do great things for the health of Manitobans.”

“The opening of the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre marks an important step in our journey to creating a centre of excellence in heart care in Manitoba.  It will help the Province, the WRHA and St. Boniface realize its vision for complete cardiovascular care through the provision of patient care, education, research, prevention and rehabilitation programs,” said Dr. Alan Mentis, Medical Director, WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program.

“We are grateful to the province and the WRHA for their faith in St. Boniface’s ability to lead this important program,” says Dr. Tétreault. “We are also most grateful to the people of Manitoba who so generously demonstrated their support for this dream that will help us care and treat people with heart disease.”

For more information contact:

Hélène Vrignon   
St. Boniface General Hospital
237-2323       

Heidi Graham                                                  
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 
926-7178

.

October 31, 2006
I.H. Asper Asper Clinical Research Institute to House State-of-the-Art Cardiac Surgery Facility
Surgeries to be consolidated in existing space in early 2007

The surgical portion of the Cardiac Sciences Program of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority will be housed on several floors of the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute at St. Boniface General Hospital, Dr. Brian Postl, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Dr. Michel Tetréault. President and CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital announced today.

“This is the final major step towards completing all the recommendations of The Koshal Report,” Dr. Postl said. “Once construction is completed this new state-of-the-art facility will result in more seamless and better integrated patient care.”

Dr. Tetréault said the decision to locate cardiac surgery in the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute made the most sense from the hospital’s perspective, “This 100,000 sq. foot state of the art facility is physically linked to the hospital and was intended to facilitate the integration of patient care and research. Consolidating the surgery inpatient and outpatient units and clinics in this facility clearly was the best option.”

Thirty million dollars in funding for the project was announced by the province in early March.

“When we received the Koshal Report, we committed to implementing its recommendations,” Health Minister Theresa Oswald said. “The province’s financial commitment is making this project a reality and that’s great news for the citizens of Manitoba.”

Stuart Murray, President & CEO of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation, noted the announcement couldn’t have been made without generous support from the community. “This is an exciting step forward in St. Boniface’s vision to create the top cardiac centre in Canada and was made possible through the incredible support Manitobans gave to the HeartCare Campaign.” Murray added, “Through the combination of the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute and the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre we’re creating something truly special for the patients we serve.”

Dr. Alan Menkis, Medical Director of the Cardiac Sciences Program said he expects all cardiac surgeries will start being performed at St. Boniface by early 2007, two years before the scheduled completion of construction.

“Consolidating the surgeries here is the next logical step,” Dr. Menkis said, adding it will enable the surgeons to work more closely with each other as well as other members of the cardiac team, in anticipation of the opening of the new facility in 2009.

Once completed, the new facility will include:
• A 15-bed cardiac intensive care unit;
• A 32-bed cardiac surgery in-patient unit;
• Several outpatient and inpatient clinics and
• A number of medical offices for the surgeons.

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For more information contact: Heidi Graham, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
926-7178 or 223-9089 (c); or Hélène Vrignon, St. Boniface General Hospital,
237-2323.

September 19, 2006
St. Boniface General Hospital Staff Enjoy New Fitness Facilities

St. Boniface General Hospital today officially opened and blessed a new fitness facility for staff and physicians.  

“The Staff ’n Motion Fitness Facility is a staff and physician initiative to promote wellness and healthy living among employees,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO, St. Boniface General Hospital. “St. Boniface has had a fitness facility located in the former nursing educating building for several years already. However, with the construction of the new hospital Atrium, there was an opportunity to develop more appropriate space in the main hospital building if funds could be raised. A group of staff from all areas of the hospital undertook the challenge of raising funds with amazing results.”

Fitness Facility Team member Robert Nagy says, “The team raised $30,000 dollars through a variety of activities and received a matching grant from the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. We are grateful for the support of management and the Foundation, and for the support of all the staff and physicians who have made this new facility a reality. Hospital staff and physicians now have access to a beautiful room with treadmills and elliptical machines and a classroom that can be used by members 24 hours a day.”

Stuart Murray, President and CEO of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation added: "The priorities of the Foundation are not only to fund life-saving research and patient care initiatives but also to support our physicians and hospital staff by helping ensure we have the best environment to work in. Through a partnership with the hospital, we believe that healthy living is imperative to a healthy workplace and are quite pleased to support the new St. Boniface Staff Fitness Facility."

Minister of Healthy Living Theresa Oswald participated in the official opening ceremonies and commented on the staff and physician initiative: “It is exciting to see St. Boniface make such an important commitment to the health of their employees. Congratulations on opening a great facility.”

Dr. Tétreault adds that the Staff ’n Motion Fitness Facility is operated on a cost recovery basis. Staff and physicians pay membership fees to cover the cost of equipment, classes and maintenance, and that there are no patient care dollars going to support the new space. The facility currently has 200 members.

 “As a hospital we believe it is important to support wellness and healthy living for our staff and physicians and we have found a way to provide facilities and programming outside of our operating budget,” says Dr. Tétreault. “The members of the Fitness Facility Project Team and the support of the Foundation have made this project possible.”

Membership to the Staff ‘n’ Motion Fitness Facility is open to staff, physicians, researchers, students and volunteers and staff from agencies related to or located at SBGH. The Fitness Facility Team holds regular membership drives and promotes the programming and facilities through internal advertising on SBGH campus.

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For more information, please contact the Public Relations office at 237-2323.

September 8, 2006
Stuart Murray announced as new president/CEO of St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation

Winnipeg, Canada - Stuart Murray, former leader of the Manitoba Conservative Party, who stepped down as MLA for Kirkfield Park on Thursday, September 7, 2006, has accepted the position of President & CEO of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation.

“My mission in entering politics was to help make life better for the people of Manitoba and now I can continue that mission here at St. Boniface,” said Murray who officially assumed his new role on September 8th, 2006. “The work of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation has touched every Manitoban in one form or another and I’m honoured to be part of an organization with such an impressive history and vital purpose.”

Aidan O’Brien, President of Manitoba Blue Cross and Chair of the Foundation, says the organization is thrilled to have Murray on board. “Ours is a first-class organization that’s dedicated to making St. Boniface the top medical research and health care centre in the country - Stuart Murray shares that vision and we believe he will play a central role in making sure we get there.”

Murray succeeded Gary Filmon at the helm of the Provincial Conservative Party in November, 2000, and served as leader until his resignation in November, 2006. Prior to this position Murray worked as President & CEO of Domo. Murray’s past positions also include working with the Prime Minister of Canada from 1985-1989, Media Director and fundraiser for the Canadian Opera Company as well as Road Manager for the rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Stuart has also been very active in the community. As volunteer Chairman of the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship in Winnipeg, Stuart and his team organized what was the most successful tournament in its 20-year history. Stuart Murray is married to Ashleigh Everett, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Hayley.

The St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation was established in 1971 and has since raised more than $100 Million in support of St. Boniface’s lifesaving research and patient care programs.

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For more Information contact:
Jill Gibson, Communications Manager
St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation
D1003-409 Taché Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Tel: (204) 235-3966 Fax: (204) 231-0041
E-mail: jgibson@sbgh.mb.ca
www.saintboniface.ca

May 30, 2006
St. Boniface General Hospital Opens Atrium, Announces First Hospital Based Art Gallery

Winnipeg  – St. Boniface General Hospital today officially opened its new Atrium located at the main entrance to the hospital. The 76,000 square feet of new and renovated space covers two levels and houses quiet space for patients, staff, physicians and visitors; the Café Oasis, a 450 seat café operated by the Compass Group; the Hospital Auxiliary’s enlarged Gift Shop; and a Shoppers Drug Mart. The lower level houses staff and physician services, health records and a new fitness facility. The redesign of the main entrance also allowed the hospital to realign access and widen the front loop, making it easier to drop off and pick up patients.

“One of our biggest challenges was how to fund the infrastructure costs for this space,” says Tétreault. “We are pleased to have formed partnerships that allowed us to build this new space without using government funds. The innovative partnership we’ve entered into with private companies and the Hospital Auxiliary has provided the initial capital and will generate revenue to pay the mortgage.”

The project also received the support of donors to the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. A generous donation by Frank and Jeanne Plett made the landscaping possible. The space surrounding the entrance has been named after their first granddaughter who currently lives in B.C., and will now be known as “Emily’s Garden”.

The St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation also announced a half million dollar donation by John and Bonnie Buhler for the development of an art gallery, a first for a Manitoba hospital. Thanks to this generous gift, the “Buhler Gallery” will open at the end of this year. The 2,000 square feet gallery will be located in the lobby of what was St. Boniface General Hospital's historic first entrance built in 1914. $200,000 dollars of the Buhler’s donation has also been used to establish an endowment fund to assist with the gallery’s associated program costs and maintenance.

The Atrium also showcases the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation’s new Commemorative wall, the work of George Shannon of On the Edge Glass Studio who donated much of his time, labour and materials to this project.

Started in June 2004, the hospital’s Atrium project took approximately 15 months to complete at a cost of 13.4 million dollars. The main doors have been open since November 2005, with the retail operations and the Gift Shop opening in the months since.

“This project allowed us to consolidate several patient and staff services located throughout the building, and address the issues related to patient confidentiality at Admitting and in the main waiting room,” says Tétreault. “We were able to respond to needs expressed by patients and visitors for pharmacy services and enhanced food services, expand the Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, create quiet spaces for people and incorporate redesigned spaces for staff and the Foundation’s new commemorative and interactive donor walls as well.”

“Renovating the main entrance to make it more welcoming and accessible has long been a dream for St. Boniface,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, Hospital President and CEO.  “We believed there was an opportunity to create a new concept that would address a number of these challenges and we are very pleased to have realized our vision for St. Boniface General Hospital’s entrance, while enhancing many services to patients, visitors, staff and physicians.”

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For more information:
Hélène Vrignon
Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer
St. Boniface General Hospital
237-2323

April 3, 2006
Hryshko Appointed Director of Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences

Winnipeg, Canada – The University of Manitoba and St. Boniface General Hospital today announced the appointment of Dr. Larry Hryshko as Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences effective April 1, 2006.

Dr. Hryshko succeeds Dr. Naranjan Dhalla, a world-renowned heart researcher and distinguished professor of physiology at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Dhalla is stepping down after two decades as head of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, which became the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences in 1996.

Dr. Hryshko joined the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences in 1994, and has been a member of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre since its creation. He and his team of researchers investigate the molecular properties of sodium-calcium exchangers - proteins essential for normal cardiac function. Dr. Hryshko’s laboratory collaborates locally, nationally, and internationally with academic research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.

Dr. Hryshko is a professor of physiology at the University of Manitoba, and he holds a Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Electrophysiology. He has been published in such prestigious works as the Handbook of Physiology and in Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside, a widely utilized clinical textbook. Dr. Hryshko is a recipient of the Dr. Robert Beamish Award for having received the highest ranked Heart and Stroke Foundation grant in Manitoba and Canada. 

“I am very pleased that the new Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences is one of the University’s and St. Boniface’s leading researchers,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital. “I believe that Dr. Hryshko’s vision for cardiovascular research will significantly advance research in this field and assist in making our province a centre of cardiovascular excellence not only in research but in patient care. “

“I congratulate Dr. Hyrshko on his appointment as Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,” says University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Emoke Szathmáry. “He is an outstanding scientist who will continue the tradition of excellence established by Dr. Dhalla. We are very proud of the long-standing partnership with St. Boniface General Hospital that this Institute represents. Collaborative partnerships such as the Institute contribute greatly to health research.”

“I am excited by the opportunity of working with Dr. Hryshko and welcome him into the administrative team for our Hospital, our Faculty, and our University”, says Dr. Grant Pierce, Executive Director of Research at St. Boniface, and professor of physiology at the University of Manitoba.  “Dr. Hryshko has an impressive scientific publication record, a history of accomplishments nationally and internationally in the field of cardiovascular research and an integrity that we are proud to have associated with the Institute. He is clearly a leader of the future for St. Boniface General Hospital and for the University. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Hryshko as he develops the Institute and advances research and academic accomplishments in this field into the next decade.”

“Dr. Hryshko is an outstanding cardiovascular researcher,” says Dr. Joanne Keselman, Vice-President (Research) at the University of Manitoba. “I look forward to working with him in his new leadership role at the helm of this world-class research institute.”

"This is a very exciting opportunity" says Dr.Hryshko. "The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences is receiving genuine interest and support from several key parties, including the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, the University of Manitoba, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.  Our province is making major strides towards reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, and community involvement has been extraordinary.  We are developing strong ties with the regional Cardiac Sciences Program so that our Institute becomes an increasingly important part of the solution to this major health problem."

Widely regarded as one of the preeminent basic cardiovascular research programs in the world, the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences is a partnership between the University of Manitoba and St. Boniface General Hospital, and is a leading force in the fight against heart disease at the cellular and molecular levels.  This multidisciplinary program includes over 80 researchers investigating cardiac pathophysiology, electrophysiology, cellular and molecular biology. The Institute is also home to the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences, and its journal Experimental & Clinical Cardiology.

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For More Information Contact:
 
Hélène Vrignon
Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer
St. Boniface General Hospital
Tel: (204) 235-3557
E-mail: hvrignon@sbgh.mb.ca

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June 27, 2005
St. Boniface Honours Canadian HIV/Aids Work In Africa with 2005 International Award

Today, the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation announced Dr. Frank Plummer, Dr. Allan Ronald and Mr. Stephen Lewis as co-recipients of the 2005 International Award, all of whom are being honoured for their work in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. 

Dr. Frank Plummer is the Director of the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg and is currently working on one of the most promising paths to a cure for the disease, based on a natural immunity he discovered among African sex-trade workers. Dr. Allan Ronald is a physician who has spent the better part of the last 27 years studying HIV/AIDS in Africa, beginning with the creation of one of the very first clinical investigation units studying HIV/AIDS in Africa in 1978 and most recently spearheading the establishment of the first large-scale HIV Clinic in Uganda. Mr. Stephen Lewis is the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and has proven to be a global leader in bringing international attention to the pandemic Africa is currently facing.

With previous recipients of the International Award including such well-known individuals as Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Sir Edmund Hillary, Dr. Andrei Sakharov and Rosalynn Carter and many others, the award honours individuals whose genius, talent, and energy have made an outstanding contribution to health care and/or humanity. These qualities are well reflected in the recipients for 2005 as, in their own way, each is helping to fight a disease that takes the life of someone in Africa every 14 seconds. More than 17 million Africans have already died from AIDS and another 25 million are infected with the HIV virus – 1.9 million of whom are children.

“Africa has been hit harder by the HIV/AIDS virus than any other region of the world,” said Gwen Hatch, Chair of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. “We are honoured to recognize the great work of these three outstanding individuals and the significant role they’ve played in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

“I'm honoured to have been selected to receive the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation’s International Award. I'm honoured to be held in the same esteem as my good friends Dr. Plummer and Dr. Ronald, and the incredible list of past recipients,said Mr. Stephen Lewis.

“It’s a privilege to receive this award,” said Dr. Frank Plummer. “Research and global attention are key to stopping this devastating disease and Canadians are playing a big role in trying to make that happen.”

"This award means a great deal to me," said Dr. Allan Ronald. "Not only as a personal  recognition of my professional career and a half century of association with the University of Manitoba and our teaching hospitals but also because it represents another example of how the growing calamity of AIDS in Africa is becoming  a priority for everyone. We must each commit ourselves to become a part of the solution ."

The International Award will be presented to Dr. Plummer, Dr. Ronald and Mr. Lewis at the International Award Gala Dinner on November 30, 2005 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. For ticket information, please call the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation office at 237-2067.

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May 31, 2005
Construction of new Bergen Cardiac Care Centre begins at St. Boniface General Hospital

Winnipeg – May 31, 2005 – Health Minister Tim Sale and representatives from the St. Boniface General Hospital and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority today announced the start of construction of two new floors at St. Boniface General Hospital that will house the state-of-the-art Bergen Cardiac Care Centre.

“During the last five years, the Manitoba government has worked to improve access to health services for all Manitobans," said Tim Sale, Minister of Health.  "This project is an important part of Manitoba's Cardiac Services Enhancement Plan which was developed in 2000. It is key to the consolidation of cardiac care services at St. Boniface General Hospital."

Dr. Sharon Macdonald, WRHA Vice President of Community Care, said the multi-million dollar project will mean better patient care. "Consolidating most of the cardiology that is done at St. Boniface - both diagnostic and interventional procedures – in one area of the hospital will result in better coordinated patient care. This builds on the improvements we've already made regionally to the Cardiac Sciences Program and will provide an even stronger foundation as we move ahead and implement more of the recommendations of the Koshal Report."

“The Bergen Cardiac Care Centre will occupy 42,300 square feet of space on two floors,” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital.  “This project will allow for the relocation of most of the cardiology services in one central location in St. Boniface General Hospital and, within the Centre, the latest treatments and equipment will be used to improve and potentially save the lives of people suffering from heart disease.”

The Bergen Cardiac Care Centre is a 20.5 million dollar project that will include state-of- the-art cardiac catheterization labs, arrhythmia device implant procedure rooms, electrophysiology and ablation procedure rooms, suites for echocardiography, EKG, pacemaker and defibrillator clinics, and general and specialized cardiology clinics.

Plans for this Centre have been in development since June 2000 when Manitoba Health announced a regional cardiac services plan which saw St. Boniface General Hospital take a leading role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Following on the heels of this announcement, the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation launched a $25 million HeartCare campaign that was successfully completed in 2004. The HeartCare campaign contributed $6 million to the development of the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre.

Martin Bergen and family, for whom the Centre has been named, were in attendance to mark the start of this exciting project. The real estate developer and his family donated $2 million to the project through the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation’s HeartCare Campaign.

“Heart disease affects us all and we felt St. Boniface was the best place for us to make an impact in battling the disease,” said Miriam Bergen, daughter of Martin Bergen. “My father and late mother always advocated community involvement and we feel this new Centre will do great things for the health of Manitobans.”

“The Bergen Cardiac Care Centre will help the Province, the WRHA and St. Boniface realize its vision for complete cardiovascular care through patient care, education, research, prevention and rehabilitation programs,” said Dr. Alan Menkis, Medical Director, WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program.

“We are grateful to the province and the WRHA for their faith in St. Boniface’s ability to lead this important program,” says Dr. Tétreault. “We are also most grateful to the people of Manitoba who so generously demonstrated their support for this dream that will help us care and treat people with heart disease.”

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May 6, 2005
Funding AG-Food Research Leads to Benefits in Medicine

WINNIPEG, May 6th, 2005 – Researchers from the St. Boniface General Hospital and the University of Manitoba will be working closely with scientists from Agriculture an Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) now following an announcement today of a 17$ million investment to conduct joint research into the health benefits of various foods.

The Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface, made the announcement today at the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Center on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister, Andy Mitchell.

“This groundbreaking agreement is a fine example of how collaboration between various sectors can benefit the people of Manitoba and Canada” says Dr. Michel Tétreault, President and CEO, St. Boniface General Hospital. “The coming together of basic and clinical research will provide knowledge that will support disease prevention and health promotion for patients and the community and lead to the development of health related products.”

"The University of Manitoba and the St. Boniface General Hospital are longstanding partners in health research, and we look forward to working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in this new and unique collaborative research and development partnership in the area of natural health products", said Joanne Keselman, Vice-President (Research) at the University of Manitoba. "Manitoba has a unique capability in the functional foods and nutraceuticals area, and this new partnership will help us develop a dynamic and distinctive cluster that will significantly assist our agriculture sector in moving to genuine value-added diversification and growth."

This 17$ million investment supports an existing research initiative funded by the Agricultural Research and Development Initiative (ARDI), a partnership of the federal and provincial governments in Manitoba, the St. Boniface General Hospital, and the University of Manitoba. This initiative resulted in the creation of the National Centre for Agri-Food Research in Medicine (NCARM) eestablished in 1999 with the support of the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation, and located in the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre.

Initial funding received by ARDI, helped NCARM to establish three laboratories and to recruit scientists to undertake basic and clinical research in agricultural and/or food products that are grown or have the potential to be grown in Manitoba. It is also supporting a collaborative environment where students from various faculties and the University’s new Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals work together on a range of research projects exploring the benefits of the nutraceuticals and functional foods.

“NCARM’s focus is on generating the ideal nutraceutical product*, one which has made the transition from the medical research lab bench through solid clinical trials and ultimately into an FDA/HPB approved product that is prescribed or recommended by physicians,” says Dr. John Foerster, Executive Director, Research Entreprise, St. Boniface General Hospital. “Integrating scientists from AAFC will add a key dimension to NCARM’s research activities, forming, among other things, a critical link between food production and clinical studies. We commend the Government of Canada’s vision in developing this innovative funding model and collaborative research agreement.” 

NCARM research will be focused mostly on crops that can be grown in Western Canada.  The ultimate goal is to develop commercially viable nutraceutical and functional food products and technologies to benefit both the agri-food sector and the health of Canadians.

 AAFC scientists are expected to start working in the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre by March 2006.  Six departmental scientists and 12 support staff will ultimately be working on site, as well as students and technicians supported by other funding agencies.

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Nutraceuticals are plant or animal based compounds, extracts and vitamins that are believed to enhance our health. NCARM’s goal is to investigate and validate the value of nutraceuticals to improve health, through sound medical research and disciplined multi-centre clinical trials. This process will help build professional acceptance of these products. In addition, nutraceutical research and development that is conducted in a medical research environment will validate the nutraceutical industry, resulting in new growth and investment in the agri-food industry.

ARDI was established in 1997 to promote and invest in innovative research and development projects that will enhance value-added production, diversification and new technologies in Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food industry.  It is funded jointly by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and is administered by the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies.

For More Information Contact:
John Danakas
Director
Public Affairs Department, University of Manitoba
Tel. (204)474-8551  Fax: (204)474-7631
E-mail: John_Danakas@umanitoba.ca

Hélène Vrignon
Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer
St. Boniface General Hospital
(204) 235-3557
hvrignon@sbgh.mb.ca

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March 14, 2005
St. Boniface General Hospital Recognized for its Elder Friendly Program

St. Boniface General Hospital is pleased to announce that The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University has granted the Hospital NICHE status for 2005-2007, for its work on developing and implementing the Elder Friendly Program. St. Boniface General Hospital is the first and only Canadian Hospital to receive this designation.

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NICHE - Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders – status is one which indicates that a facility has developed and implemented a series of programs and protocols aimed at improving the quality of care provided to older people. A national geriatric nursing program that includes 143 active sites in 34 states, parts of Canada and the Netherlands, Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders was established by the John A. Hartford Foundation in 1992. NICHE’s vision is for all patients 65 and over to be given sensitive and exemplary care through principles and tools that stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.  Its goal is to achieve systematic nursing change that will benefit hospitalized older patients and it focuses on programs and protocols that are dominantly under the control of nursing practice; in other words, areas where nursing interventions have a significant and positive impact on patient care. (NICHE website)

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In December 2002, the St. Boniface Geriatric and Rehabilitation Program launched an Elder Friendly Program, inspired by a similar program in British Columbia and informed by the research and education programs available through NICHE.

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Since then, the SBGH – Elder Friendly program has been working to create and foster an elder friendly spirit within all areas of the hospital through staff and physician workshops, research, and the development of policies and procedures as well as working with the support areas to ensure appropriate furnishings and supplies.

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Spearheaded by Poh Lin Lim, Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Elder Friendly program has seen the development of a number of syndrome specific management protocols such as policies and procedures on constant care, physical restraints, post-op delirium watch and a post discharge phone follow-up program.

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In addition, the Elder Friendly program has provided education and workshops developing a critical mass of Elder Friendly trained staff throughout the hospital who are actively involved in the quality teams in all programs.

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In December 2004, the Elder Friendly program celebrated its two-year anniversary acknowledging the tremendous support of hospital staff and physicians. The program has now begun to make its way through other Winnipeg hospitals.

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“The elder friendly spirit initiative is part of our commitment to enhancing patient care at St. Boniface General Hospital and reflects our mission and values of respect, caring and stewardship,” says Laverne Sturtevant, Program Director, Rehabilitation and Geriatric, Family Medicine and Emergency Programs.

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“Many SBGH patients are over 65 years of age and it is becoming increasingly important to consider their needs in all care units and service areas,” says Poh Lin Lim. “In an elder friendly hospital, the primary goal it to maintain the elder’s ability to function, to reduce overmedication, incontinence, infection and falls, promote family involvement in all stages of care and establish links with the community.”

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 “We are very proud of the concerted effort and initiative of all the nurses at SBGH, as well as the support from the nurses’ partners in care - physicians and allied health professionals,” says Kaaren Neufeld, Chief Nursing Officer. “This was a collaborative effort that turned a dream into a reality. We have just begun to make our Hospital known for its Elder Friendly Care, and the NICHE status awarded by the John Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing is important recognition of how we are improving.”

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The John Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing

The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing seeks to shape the quality of health care older people receive by promoting the highest level of geriatric competence in all nurses. By raising the standards of nursing care, the Hartford Institute aims to ensure that people age with optimal function, comfort and dignity.

The Hartford Institute identifies and develops best practices in nursing care of older adults and infuses these practices into the education of every nursing student and the work- environment of every practicing professional nurse. The Hartford Institute educates the public to expect best practice and encourages national leadership to establish best practice as the standard for geriatric nursing care.

NICHE is unlike other programs in that it does not prescribe how institutions should modify geriatric care; rather, it provides the materials and services necessary to stimulate and support the planning and implementation process. The focus of NICHE is on programs and protocols that are dominantly under the control of nursing practice; in other words, areas where nursing interventions have a substantive and positive impact on patient care.

Upon implementation of NICHE, hospitals report:

-Enhanced nursing knowledge and skills regarding treatment of common geriatric syndromes
-Greater patient satisfaction
-Decreased length of stay for elderly patients
-Reductions in readmission rates
-Increases in the length of time between re-admissions
-Reductions in costs associated with hospital care for the elderly

website: www.hartfordign.org

January 6, 2005
Appointment of Dr. Michel Tétreault as President and CEO

Mr. Normand Boisvert, Chair of the Board of Directors of St. Boniface General Hospital, is pleased to announce the appointment of  Dr. Michel Tétreault to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 19, 2005.

Dr. Tétreault joined St. Boniface General Hospital in September 2001 as Executive Director Clinical Programs and Chief Medical Officer. He has been responsible for leading and supporting cross program integration in addition to coordinating and supporting patient care at SBGH such as the implementation of the Elder Life Friendly initiative and quality and performance activities. He has also been actively involved with the Hospital Information System Project.

Dr. Tétreault is a native of Québec and is fluently bilingual (French and English). He is a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montréal. During his 28-year career he has held numerous administrative and teaching positions in addition to his clinical practice in Family and Emergency Medicine. He is a Certified Specialist in Emergency Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  His career in health administration and development has spanned the local, regional and provincial levels.

“The Board is confident that Dr. Tétreault’s vast experience, knowledge and vision will allow St. Boniface General Hospital to maintain the course we have set for the future,” says Mr. Boisvert.

In speaking of his vision, Dr. Tétreault indicated a commitment to maintaining the direction St. Boniface General Hospital has already set in terms of improving overall performance, patient and staff satisfaction and creating an elder friendly environment for patients. Dr. Tétreault is also strongly committed to working in collaboration with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and in partnership with the Catholic Health Network and the community at large.

Dr. Tétreault replaces Mr. Hubert Gauthier as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Boniface General Hospital.

For information:
St. Boniface General Hospital Public Relations: 237-2323

For more information on any of the above mentioned news releases, please contact:

Hélène Vrignon, Public Relations
St. Boniface General Hospital
phone:  235-3557
email:  hvrignon@sbgh.mb.ca