The announcement was made Oct. 2 by Sandy Martin, vice-president (east coast), for Suncor Energy. “We use simulations in our offshore operations to ensure safer and better outcomes. With this donation, we want to contribute to better health care outcomes for the people of our province.”

The pediatric centre is a partnership between the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation, Eastern Health (Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre) and the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University.

Part of the donation will be used to purchase a number of pediatric mannequins ranging from newborn through to teenager. “There are many physiological differences between children and adults and between children at different ages,” said Beverly Clarke, Eastern Health vice-presidents for children’s and women’s health. “Eastern Health and the Janeway look forward to working with Memorial as we develop this pediatric centre of excellence.

The dean of medicine at Memorial, Dr. James Rourke, welcomed the partnership and the contribution from Suncor Energy. “This couldn’t come at a better time,” he said. “We are going into a major expansion and our new building will include a state-of-the-art Patient Simulation Centre with a number of simulation labs, providing experiences that will mimic real life situations.”

Dr. Rourke noted that he recently did a refresher course in obstetrics that included neonatal resuscitation on a specialized mannequin. “These critical situations happen very rarely, but when they do, seconds matter, and team work matters. This is the value of simulation training.”

Lloyd Powell, chair of the Janeway Foundation’s board of directors, said the provision of simulation training for health care providers will help build a culture of patient safety and quality improvement. “Suncor’s gift will provide the education needed through child and baby simulation training, which will ensure that we are providing the best possible care for the children of our province.”

Mr. Powell said that when a parent hands over their sick baby or child to a medical professional, they are counting on a miracle. “With the help of Suncor Energy, we are training our health care professionals to ensure they can deliver those miracles.”

Following the funding announcement, dignitaries and members of the media visited the Faculty of Medicine’s Simulation Unit to observe a difficult delivery and successful neonatal resuscitation.




Sandy Martin of Suncor Energy announced a donation of $350,000 for specialized pediatric education.