NEWS RELEASE

March 24, 2004

World-Class Bone and Joint Institute Receives $10 Million to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Wait Times

Premier Ralph Klein and representatives of partnering organizations today launched the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. The Institute is an integrated approach to delivery of world-class bone and joint health care, research and education. It will dramatically improve the care for patients with musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and bone and spine diseases. It has been made possible in part by a $10-million donation from Mr. Bud McCaig, a community leader.

Through the implementation of a new model of sustainable health service delivery, the Institute will serve as a catalyst for change in bone and joint health care. Once proven, the model will exist as an example for the renewal of health service delivery for organizations worldwide.

"The Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute represents a better delivery system of secondary care along with a greater emphasis on wellness," said Premier Klein. "If this model works for bone and joint health, then I suspect it can transfer to other health care areas such as heart, brain and the list goes on."

Mr. McCaig has contributed both his time and resources to the advancement of a provincial approach to bone and joint health care. Mr. McCaig will co-chair the Institute Board of Directors, with Dr. Cy Frank, Scientific Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Chief of Orthopaedics with the University of Calgary and Capital Health Regions, the other seven health regions in Alberta, the Universities of Alberta and Calgary, physicians and providers to lead the provincial organization.

"[The Institute is] a better way to treat bone and joint arthritis problems," said Mrs. Ann McCaig on behalf of her husband. "By working together, we can and will create a world-class health and medical system that will outlive all of us as a legacy and an example of what we can do when we refuse to settle for anything less than the best."

The initial phase of the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute will focus on the province-wide development of new approaches to patient care and service delivery supported by new facilities, clinics, networking resources and targeted research and educational endowments.

"The Institute builds on a primary health care reform strategy that exists right here in Alberta," said Dr. Frank. "Our vision of improved bone and joint health care for all Albertans. We see changes that the average patient will see: reduced wait times and high quality care."

The Institute will use advanced technology and leading expertise to pioneer new bone and joint treatment and improve recovery and reduce waiting times for Albertans affected by bone and joint disease and injury.

Support has been solicited to help fund the implementation of priority project within the Institute including:

• Smart operating rooms, units and clinics to minimize patient discomfort, speed recovery and reduce operating costs and waiting times throughout the province.
• Networking and information systems to help ensure efficient, effective care for bone and joint patients
• Leading edge research and technology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis.
• Buildings and equipment dedicated to research and education.
• Strategic education endowments to attract leading expertise in bone and joint disorders.

The Institute will implement the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Initiative developed by professional practitioners with Alberta Health and Wellness, Alberta universities through the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, and health regions through the Capital Regional Health Authority and the Calgary Health Region.

-end-

For more information:

Len Cocolicchio
Chief, Communications
Alberta Bone & Joint Health Institute
Phone: (403) 670-0886

Kelly Brownlee
Calgary Health Trust
Phone: (403) 875-9824