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MUHC is designated as a Centre of Excellence for Adult Stem Cell Transplantation

Published: 1 March 2007

MUHC Director General and CEO Dr. Arthur T. Porter is pleased to announce that the Quebec Health Minister, Dr. Philippe Couillard, has designated the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) site of the MUHC as the centre of excellence for adult stem cell transplantation for the McGill RUIS. This centre is unique in Quebec and will treat more than 100 patients a year.

“We are extremely pleased with this recognition,” says Dr. Porter. “The new designation recognizes our expertise and ensures the best possible outcome for our patients. In the past 30 years we have honed our skills in stem cell/bone marrow transplantation and we will continue to evolve our abilities to meet new challenges. There is no doubt that there will be an increasing demand for this technology to treat a number of diseases.”

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation, where a matched donor donates stem cells to a patient as treatment for certain forms of cancer, is a complex procedure which requires specialized expertise, support and technology. Stem cell transplant programs in North America are now required to attain the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) accreditation, a rigorous accreditation process that ensures a high quality program and services. The MUHC earned a FACT accreditation last year and is now one of three hospitals in Quebec to have this designation, and one of six in Canada.

“This is the most rigorous accreditation that exists and it attests to the quality of our program," says Dr. Galal. "For patients, this means that they have access to the best transplant services according to the highest standards.” This program is a result of a collaboration of all the McGill-affiliated hospitals including the MUHC and the Jewish General Hospital. Fundraising for the development of the stem-cell program was coordinated by the RVH Foundation.

The 㽶Ƶ Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. The MUHC is a merger of five teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at 㽶Ƶ — the Montreal Children’s, Montreal General, Royal Victoria, and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, as well as the Montreal Chest Institute. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of the founding hospitals, the goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge. .

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