SASKATOON, June 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Young patients at the new Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan will now have a highly specialized treatment room available in the Day Medicine Unit thanks to a generous donation of $250,000 by CIBC. While visiting as either an inpatient or outpatient, children using this treatment room will be examined and receive infusions for chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and insulin therapy.

"CIBC recognizes how important it is to the community to access the best possible medical care, such as the specialized treatment room at the new Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan," says Kathleen Woodard, Senior Vice-President and Region Head, CIBC. "We are proud to invest in innovative treatment and care that will make a difference in the lives of so many children."

The new treatment room, which will open once construction on the new children's hospital is complete in 2017, will be equipped with activities and games to help reduce anxiety and occupy young patients while receiving treatment.

"We are grateful to CIBC for helping us create a comfortable and welcoming treatment space for young patients undergoing important treatment for acute and chronic illnesses such as childhood cancer," says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. "This specialized treatment room will help make the hospital experience a little bit easier for children and families during a very difficult time."

"CIBC's contribution allows us to continue to be leaders in healthcare by creating a state-of-the-art facility, says Jackie Mann, Saskatoon Health Region's VP for Integrated Health Services, responsible for Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan.  "Children and teenagers arriving at our new pediatric outpatient clinic will see one of the treatment rooms named in CIBC's honour.  Young patients requiring four to eight hours of infusion therapy, including chemotherapy, will receive their care in this room.  The room will provide a comfortable and supportive environment with appropriate space for family and friends."

ABOUT CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC and our employees are committed to the social and economic development of our communities, with a focus on Kids, Cures and Community. In 2014, CIBC supported over 420 communities across Canada, contributing more than $42 million to 1,780 charitable and non-profit initiatives, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION OF SASKATCHEWAN

The Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan is dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of children's healthcare and the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan. We are the Saskatchewan member of Children's Miracle Network, 100% dedicated to Saskatchewan children and their hospital, and proud partners of the Saskatoon and Regina Qu'Appelle Health Regions on the children's hospital project.

For more information please visit www.childrenshospitalsask.ca

SOURCE CIBC