The QEII Foundation is proud of its many partnerships we have with other organizations. These partnerships have evolved because of one common goal - to strengthen education and research for the health and well-being of Atlantic Canadians.
As the major teaching health centre, the QEII has a 150-year-old partnership with Dalhousie University. Fundraising projects for Endowed Research Chairs reaffirms the QEII's 150-year-old partnership with Atlantic Canada's foremost medical school. An Endowed Chair ensures a leading specialist has time specifically allocated to pursue advanced research and program development in their field, which, in turn, attracts bright young professionals to join them in their quest.
A partnership between the QEII Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia allowed the recruitment of a national leader as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia Endowed Research Chair in Cardiovascular Outcomes Research to improve strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke, and ensure optimal treatment strategies for those affected. The existing research expertise of the QEII Cardiovascular Division will be improved and this Research Chair will place the QEII in a leadership role for cardiovascular health. Dr. Jafna Cox was named the inaugural chair holder in November 2009.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Chapter and the QEII Foundation have created a partnership with a focus to create a world without breast cancer. It is because of their extraordinary $1.65 million grant, the QEII Foundation was able to announce an endowed chair, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Chapter Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research. Dr. David Hoskin was named the inaugural chair holder in May 2008.
The Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division has joined forces with the QEII Foundation to make possible the recruitment of a national leader as the Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division Endowed Research Chair in Population Cancer Research. Because of this wonderful partnership, we will be able to make even further progress in the area of Cancer Research. Dr. Louise Parker was named the inaugural chair holder in November 2007.
Everyday, the IWK Health Centre and Capital Health work together to provide shared breast health services for Nova Scotian women including breast health education, mammography services, surgical services, and post-operative care. Ultimately, the goal is to have an integrated, world-class breast health program, where all the necessary leading equipment is available, patient services are coordinated, and resources and supports are accessible to all breast cancer patients and their families.
The QEII Foundation joined forces with the IWK Foundation in 2008 to raise much needed funds for breast health by hosting the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. The next step is to purchase leading-edge digital mammography equipment that will benefit thousands of women in Nova Scotia. This equipment has been identified as a priority in breast health patient care by the IWK and the QEII, as it will create capacity in the system for more women to have a screening mammogram, which has been proven to be the most effective method for the earlier, more precise detection of breast cancer.
The Foundations successfully hosted Bust a Move for Breast Health in January 2010.