May 31, 2019
You’ve got to ‘hand’ it to these enthusiastic kids who showed up to make their marks as construction began on a specialized pod, or emergency care space, for children at the South Health Campus.
Story & photo by Melanie Veriotes
CALGARY — South Health Campus has held a kickoff to mark the start of construction of a specialized emergency care space for children — a $3.9-million project now fully funded thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor to Calgary Health Trust through the Calgary Foundation.
The new space, or pod — with capacity for 14,500 patients annually — features nine beds as well as child-friendly murals to make the hospital more welcoming for young patients. The pod will enable frontline staff to care for pediatric patients in a dedicated space, one that doesn’t expose them to the environment of an adult emergency room.
At the May 31 event, Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said: “This is a great example of how communities and health foundations often work in close partnership with the Government of Alberta to make this province a great place to live and raise a family. The development of a specialized pediatric emergency care space will support families not just in Calgary but throughout southern Alberta.”
Seeing as Alberta Children’s Hospital is 40 km away, the southeast location of South Health Campus typically serves pediatric patients from south Calgary communities, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore and surrounding towns.
Mom Lisa Lazeby, who also attended the ceremony, recalled her time spent with her premature son Abel in the South Health Campus emergency department.
“I don't remember all the details that went on there, how many times he stopped breathing, but I remember how they made me feel,” she said. “Having an emergency care space so close has benefitted our family and I know if is going to benefit a lot of families in the future."
Mike Meldrum, President and CEO, Calgary Health Trust, said: “It is a great honour for Calgary Health Trust to work with the Calgary Foundation in representing a donor who wants to build community legacy and make a lasting, tangible impact in our very own city.
“This project is an exciting opportunity to bring donors to the table to respond to our city’s growing health needs faster and ensuring that what we build is truly world-class.”
Calgary Foundation President and CEO Eva Friesen added: “For a child and their family, a trip to the emergency room is one of the most stressful, fragile moments of their lives. What a privilege for us at Calgary Foundation, thanks to the extreme generosity of an anonymous donor, to help provide a safe, calm, welcoming space for these young patients. As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health and community well-being, Calgary Foundation is so proud to support Calgary Health Trust through this impactful grant.”
Dr. Verna Yiu, Alberta Health Services President and CEO, said the new pod will improve the healthcare experience for young patients and their families.
“As a pediatrician, I’m aware how much a welcoming space can ease the stress parents and children feel when they come to a hospital for care,” said Dr. Yiu. “This new space will help comfort families during a difficult time, while helping AHS meet the demand for pediatric emergency services in south Calgary and surrounding areas.”
Currently, about one of five patients seen at the South Health Campus emergency department is under the age of 18.
The new space is expected to open this summer.
