1. Why is there so much excitement surrounding this new hospital?

Internationally, patient care excellence at every leading hospital is provided by medical talent which is attracted by a vigorous program of research and education. Research funding attracts medical talent which, in turn, enhances and improves patient care. The Lois Hole Hospital for Women will be the centre for research, education, and clinical excellence in Women’s Health when it opens.

With innovative programs, strong commitment to research and education, and exciting new facility enhancements, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women is already attracting the attention of Canada’s leading physicians, researchers, and specialists.

Just as the Stollery Children’s Hospital has raised the profile of children’s health, so too will the Lois Hole Hospital increase the profile of women’s health.

Currently, the Royal Alexandra Hospital provides leading-edge care within general and high-risk categories, including high-risk obstetrics. The new Lois Hole Hospital for Women, now under construction on the Royal Alexandra campus, will build upon these important services, ensuring women have the best access to leading-edge diagnostic care and treatment.

The Royal Alexandra is also home to the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta. This important partnership in teaching, research, and care, results in the very best medical training for future healthcare providers.

2. Why is the hospital named after Lois Hole?

This hospital is named after Alberta’s former lieutenant-governor, the Honourable Lois Hole. Mrs. Hole was a remarkable woman and much-loved by Albertans. Mrs. Hole was known for her kindness, caring, love of learning, and love of people. It was felt these traits embody everything that a hospital for women can and should be.

Mrs. Hole passed away in January 2005 after a lengthy battle with cancer. During her lifetime, she fondly referred to the Royal Alexandra as “her family’s hospital,” and was thrilled when she was approached by community leaders to lend her name to this new facility. Since her death, her family has pledged to continue to support the campaign in her memory, because they know how much this honour meant to her.

3. What is the campaign goal, who’s organizing it, and what are the timelines?

The Lois Hole Hospital for Women Campaign was publicly launched in April 2006 and our goal is to raise as much money as possible for enhanced care, new research opportunities and facility enhancements – all of which will serve to ensure the Lois Hole Hospital for Women will be identified as one of Canada’s best Women’s Health facilities.

Our second goal, also very important, is to raise public awareness of the importance of Women’s Health and how it affects our families, communities, and our province.

This formal campaign, called A Campaign About Caring, is managed by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation with support from several volunteers from the community. The campaign, in its formal state, will continue to raise funds in this manner until the Lois Hole Hospital for Women opens to the public.

Further questions? Contact the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation at 780-735-4035.