Major gift to have lasting impact on cardiac care

University Hospital Foundation donates $10M to Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute

Story by Amelia Schofield

EDMONTON — With the support of thousands of donors, the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) has made a historic $10-million donation to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Announced Sept. 5, the gift will further cardiac care in Alberta through the creation of a $3-million innovation and research fund. It will also support new medical equipment and technology as well as enhance patient-care initiatives which focus on improving cardiac care in the community.

“Thanks to the ongoing generosity of donors, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute has established itself as a world leader in cardiac care, advancing the prevention, treatment, and study of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services (AHS).

“The University Hospital Foundation and its donors have committed more than $80 million over the last 10 years, ensuring the best possible cardiac care is available to our patients and families, when they need it.”

UHF President Joyce Mallman Law adds: “We cannot thank all of our generous donors and supporters enough for making this significant and life-changing gift possible, and ensuring that cardiac patients across Western Canada will continue to receive a level of care at the Maz that they cannot get anywhere else.”

Each year, the Mazankowski in Edmonton sees nearly 7,000 admissions to its cardiology and cardiac surgery inpatient units and ICUs, and more than 26,000 multi-disciplinary visits to its outpatient cardiac clinics, including pacemaker and ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) clinics. This past year, 2,088 cardiac surgeries were performed.

“Edmonton has been at the forefront of cardiac care for more than 60 years, since the first open-heart surgery in Canada was done right here in Edmonton, at the University of Alberta Hospital in 1956,” says Mishaela Houle, executive director, Cardiac Sciences, Edmonton Zone.

“The Maz has allowed us to build on that established reputation of excellence, supporting integration of clinical care, research and education under one roof. It has supported increased collaboration between practitioners, services and teams — which directly benefits our patients and families.”

According to Dr. Dylan Taylor, associate Edmonton Zone medical director and facility medical director for the University of Alberta Hospital, Kaye Edmonton Clinic and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the facility’s partnership with UHF has proven vital to advancing cardiac care for Albertans.

“When we look to the future, we know that the opportunities to push the boundaries of care are vast,” says Taylor. “We will focus on advancing minimally invasive approaches to care, and we will continue to focus research efforts in areas that will positively impact the care we provide.

“We would like to thank the University Hospital Foundation. We couldn’t do what we do without them. And with their continued support and dedication, we know there’s more to come.”

For more information on how to support the University Hospital Foundation, please visit givetouhf.ca.