Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

We have entered an exciting new chapter for The Dale Sheard Centre for Solutions in Women’s Health, which is located within the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.

Following the 2022 announcement of the honourific naming of this research centre, a fitting sign now graces the walls of the space. It was unveiled at an event celebrating Foundation patron Dale Sheard, which brought out dignitaries, teams of researchers and care providers, and several of Dale’s friends and family. Now, everyone who passes by will get a glimpse into the legacy behind the research centre.

“A strong and deserving name underpins the importance of this research space,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. “Today, we come full circle to reveal the signage and honour the research centre, the people who do their best work here, and the ways in which this work improves lives.”

Inside The Dale Sheard Centre for Solutions in Women’s Health, researchers and clinicians work together to study women’s health issues at all ages and stages of life, including reproductive health and preconception, pregnancy, mental health, urogynecology, mature women’s health, and ovarian and gynecologic cancer. The centre fosters multidisciplinary collaboration, enhances capacity-building, and stands as the cornerstone of research excellence. This tribute is fitting, given Dale’s advocacy and leadership in advancing women's health excellence across the city and beyond.

“It’s difficult for me to find the words to describe how honoured I feel to have been given this gift,” said Dale. “In this hospital, women are receiving the best possible care when they need it. And, thanks to the researchers, women are receiving the best possible chance at a better future.”

She went on to directly address those researchers, many of whom were in attendance at the event. “Know that we are your fans, you are our future, and we have faith in you.”

Dale was instrumental in the establishment of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. During the hospital's construction, she served as Chair of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation's Board of Directors and was a key driver of fundraising efforts. She also helped shape the relationship between the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI). And a generous philanthropic gift from Dale helped establish the Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, whose work enhances diagnosis, treatment and patient care for mature patients at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and in care centres across Alberta and Canada.

“We are so proud to have this name and sign represent someone who did so much for women’s health across so much time,” added Sharlene Rutherford. “Thank you, Dale, for everything you have done, and continue to do to advance women’s health.”

Please join us in celebrating Dale Sheard and her commitment to advancing women’s health excellence over the past two decades.

 

For more on the honourific naming of The Dale Sheard Centre for Solutions in Women’s Health, see our 2022 announcement here.