An important commitment for the Fondation du CHUM - Daniel Johnson becomes Chairman of the Cabinet for the campaign Giving Ourselves the Best in Health Care

MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fondation du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) is honoured to announce the appointment of Mr. Daniel Johnson as Chairman of the Cabinet for the capital fundraising campaign Giving Ourselves the Best in Health Care.

Strong support for the CHUM
Mr. Johnson, Counsel at McCarthy Tétrault and a former Quebec Premier, will head a campaign cabinet committed to the health of Montrealers and Quebecers. His involvement is a significant step and a powerful rallying cry for people to gather around this major project: the new CHUM.

"I am pleased to accept the challenge and dedicate my efforts toward the goals of the Fondation to bring to reality the new CHUM: this is one of the largest projects of its kind in America at the outset of the 21^st century. We already anticipate with great pride the move, next year, of those first patients into the new facilities. It is crucial that we help provide the best possible environment for medical and administrative teams alike who will welcome hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Professionals will have access to advanced technologies, students will be trained in ideal conditions and researchers will have even more impact," declared Mr. Johnson.

Beginning in 2016, a hospital indispensable for the entire community
The new CHUM, a flagship project in the Quartier de la santé de Montréal, will play a decisive role in improving the health of Quebecers. "More than ever before, the realization of this dream is underway with 75% of the hospital actually built to date. By the end of next year, patients will be received in a modern hospital, with a human dimension, where excellence on the part of staff will mean health care at its best," affirmed Dr. Jacques Turgeon, Chief Executive Officer of the CHUM.

A campaign in keeping with a landmark project
Giving Ourselves the Best in Health Care, one of the largest philanthropic campaigns across the country, appeals to the generosity of all citizens so that the Fondation du CHUM may carry through on its commitment to both patients and professionals at the hospital. With the support of people who care, more than 60% of the $300M goal has already been reached.

"Our foundation is very proud to see that Mr. Johnson, a man who has shown an interest for over 20 years in the development of Montreal teaching hospitals, is standing with us," said Mrs. Marie-Berthe Des Groseillers, Chairwoman of the board for the Fondation du CHUM. "He takes over the reins from Mr. Guy Savard, who will continue his commitment as campaign ambassador. We thank him deeply for his constant support."

The CHUM, your partner in health and well-being
The Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) first and foremost provides highly specialized healthcare in all medical specialties to a regional and supra-regional adult clientele. It is the main centre for development and knowledge transfer through its integrated activities in healthcare, teaching, research, assessment of technologies and treatment methods, as well as quality, the promotion of health and the patient experience. As of 2016, the CHUM will offer an improved hospital experience in its new downtown Montreal facilities. The CHUM is affiliated to the Université de Montréal and is an active member of its Réseau universitaire intégré de santé (RUIS).
chumontreal.qc.ca

About the Fondation du CHUM
Placing the patient at the heart of its commitment, the mission of the Fondation du CHUM is to support its hospital centre. The Fondation provides a source of complementary funding to the CHUM, thus helping to maintain its status as an internationally recognized institution for medical treatment, teaching, research and health promotion. Since its inception in 1998, the Fondation has contributed more than $120M to the CHUM thanks to its generous donors. The Fondation also relies on the support of its Clinique Santé-voyage and Clinique Santé-préventive, from which all profits go directly to the Fondation. Giving Ourselves the Best in Health Care
fondationduchum.com  

SOURCE Fondation du CHUM

For further information: Elodie Grange, Director, Communication and Marketing and interim Event Manager, Fondation du CHUM, 514-890-8361, [e-mail]