The Cancer Foundations, Children of Northeastern Ontario (NEO) and Health Sciences North are merging to become a single entity.
According to executives, this merger will better distribute donations while improving patient care.
It’s the best of both worlds. With this merger, we are reducing the administrative burden on the health system, while directing funds to patients who need them most, says Lacey Pitre, president of the oncology department at Horizon Santé-Nord.
This merger will allow us to concentrate all our energy within a single board of directors. We often use a lot of them in a single board.
A quote from Lacey Pitre, head of the oncology department at Health Sciences North
Open in full screen mode
Anthony Keating will head the group that brings together the merged foundations.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Désiré Kafunda
Anthony Keating, the president and CEO of the Horizon Santé-Nord foundation, will be the sole head of the united foundations, which now form the HSN foundation.
According to managers, no jobs will be eliminated.
Unity is strength
Mr. Keating emphasizes that, despite this change, nothing will necessarily change for donors, who will still be able to direct their donations towards the foundations that are close to their hearts.
For her part, Pamela Therrien, general director of the HSN board of directors, believes that there is strength in unity.
This merger will strengthen the health services offered in the various departments concerned in Greater Sudbury, she said.
Open in full screen mode
Pamela Therrien believes that the merger will strengthen the services that are already offered by the different foundations.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Désiré Kafunda
According to Ms. Therrien, the union of the three foundations will make it easier for donors as well as patients like her son, who suffered from blastomycosis.
My son spent a few weeks in the pediatric unit. When he fell ill, I really understood the importance of the hospital’s services, so I think it will be beneficial for patients in the region, she says.
Since 2019, the combined efforts of the foundations have raised $35 million and purchased equipment.
