Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

MEDIA RELEASE

Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Hon. Patron to Lt. Governor Salma Lakhani and His Honour Dr. Zaheer Lakhani

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June 27^th, 2022
EDMONTON, AB—The Board of Directors of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation today announce that it has named as Honourary Patrons the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., LLD (hon) and His Honour, Dr. Zaheer Lakhani CM MBChB FRCPC FACP FACC FRCP (London).

Their Honours were welcomed as the hospital’s newest Patrons in recognition of their transformational contributions, acts of service, and leadership in supporting the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The naming and celebration of a Patron is a rare and special act. The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation had not named a Patron for almost 10 years.

In the history of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, only three individuals have been named Patron. Long-time donors William K. and Mary Jo Robbins, residents of Houston, Texas, were named Patrons in 2007 for their transformational philanthropy which led to the creation of new scholarships, endowed funds, and the Robbins Pavilion—home to the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and the CK Hui Heart Centre.

Philanthropist, former board member and former board chair, Dale Sheard was named Patron in 2014, for her leadership in bringing the province’s only dedicated women’s hospital—Lois Hole Hospital for Women—to life.

Through her philanthropy, Sheard also created the Cavarzan Chair in Mature Women’s Health Research, a long-term research endeavour that raises awareness of the health concerns of maturing women while also seeking to identify and close gaps in the care they experience.

Now, Her Honour Salma Lakhani and His Honour Dr. Zaheer Lakhani have joined this esteemed company of individuals as a result of the couple’s legacy and service to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the hospital foundation, and the wider community the hospital serves.

The Lakhanis have supported the Royal Alexandra Hospital and its centres of medical excellence for decades. Through their charitable giving and volunteer leadership, the couple has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, while also serving as volunteers in other community areas.

Among a long list of accomplishments and accolades, Dr. Zaheer Lakhani holds the title of the longest-serving board member in the history of the Foundation. He will officially leave the board when he retires in 2022, having served as director, vice-chair, chair, and past chair. Dr. Lakhani is an acting physician and educator, serving as Clinical Professor with the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta and practicing at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert.

Lieutenant Governor Lakhani has received a plethora of recognition for her services to the community and civil society, notably her commitment to the values of pluralism and inclusion and championing those who face barriers in life. Of many, she has led community campaigns supporting women’s health, including the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, and supported services that further the lives of immigrant women and their families. As Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Alberta, Salma Lakhani shares an important history with the namesake of the women’s hospital, the late Hon. Lois Hole, 15^th Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Alberta. As Vice-Regal, she represents Canada’s head of state in Alberta, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Patrons were named upon recommendation by the serving CEO, senior leadership, and board members. Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, shared her perspective on their elevation.

“This is a proud moment for all of us because we have long considered Salma and Zaheer to be part of the Royal Alexandra family,” says Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. “They represent the ideals that our hospital and its medical centres of excellence strive for each day: to deliver state-of-the-art, compassionate, equitable, healthcare to all patients from all walks of life and leaving no one behind.”

George Coon, Chair of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, says the many achievements of Salma and Zaheer as individuals and as a couple are quite extraordinary.

“It is rare for a husband and wife to be bestowed with as many honours as they have—but then again, Salma and Zaheer are unique individuals with a compelling history and a remarkable life of service,” says Coon.

The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, its board of directors, alumni, staff, and supporters thank, congratulate, and celebrate Their Honours on their recent naming as Honourary Patrons of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

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For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Lindsay Robertson
Director of Communications, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation
Email: LRobertson@royalalex.org | Phone: 780-217-2613

About the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

Established in 1984, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation is committed to supporting improved healthcare outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of people who seek treatment at the Royal Alexandra Hospital every year. The Foundation funds advanced education, cutting-edge research, next-generation technologies and facility improvements that advance care and enhance the patient experience. The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation also supports medical centres of excellence at the Royal Alexandra Hospital campus, including the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, the CK Hui Heart Centre, the Orthopedic Surgery Centre and the Eye Institute of Alberta.

Stay up to date with Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation news at royalalex.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @RAHFoundation