20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child - CHU
Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children's Hospital unite for the good of our
children

MONTREAL , Nov. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Today marks the 20th anniversary of the international Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989 . The CHU Sainte-Justine and The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre are joining forces to highlight the importance of this day, a reminder of the many injustices committed against children around the world.

The UN Convention stipulates that children are not simply vulnerable beings who need protection; they are also people who have the right to an education, healthcare and protection, regardless of where they were born. They also have the right to play, learn and express themselves. This day aims to advocate children's basic rights, thereby promoting and protecting the health and welfare of all children and adolescents. While Canada is generally a great place to live, our children are not immune to disease, poverty or violence. "At Sainte-Justine, ensuring the welfare of our children is one of our responsibilities and is a testimony to the tremendous respect we have for our patients," stated Fabrice Brunet, Executive Director of the CHU Sainte-Justine. "Bringing a human dimension to healthcare is something we strive to do daily," he added.

" Quebec is a land of plenty, thus collectively we have a moral obligation to ensure that every baby, child and adolescent is free from poverty, hunger, disease and suffering. We owe this to our children, our most vulnerable citizens," says Dr. Harvey Guyda , Associate Executive Director of The Montreal Children's Hospital. "The Montreal Children's Hospital vows never to waver from this obligation."

The Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine is the largest mother and baby hospital in Canada and one of the four largest pediatric hospitals in the Americas, with over 5,000 employees and doctors. Affiliated with Université de Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine is by far the largest pediatric teaching hospital in Quebec and is a major player in Canada . Its research centre houses 178 researchers and over 400 students. It is a renowned leader in the fields of brain disease, musculoskeletal and movement disorders, fetal-maternal and neonatal pathologies, metabolic health, viral and immune diseases and oncology, and the advancement and future of healthcare. In 2007, CHU Sainte-Justine celebrated its 100th anniversary and was accredited as a "Health Promoting Hospital" by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also a member of the extensive Université de Montréal (RUIS) excellence in healthcare network. www.hsj.qc.ca

The Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) is the pediatric teaching hospital of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and is affiliated with McGill University. The MCH is a leader in providing a broad spectrum of highly specialized care to newborns, children and adolescents from across Quebec . Our areas of medical expertise include programs in brain development/behaviour, cardiovascular sciences, critical care, medical genetics and oncology, tertiary medical and surgical services, and trauma care. Fully bilingual, the hospital also promotes multiculturalism and serves an increasingly diverse community in more than 50 languages. The Montreal Children's Hospital sets itself apart with its team approach to innovative patient care. Our health professionals and staff are dedicated to ensuring children and their families receive exceptional health care in a friendly and supportive environment.

For further information: Mélanie Dallaire, Consultant, Media Relations, CHU Sainte-Justine, [phone] or 4663; Lisa Dutton, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC, [phone]; Sources: CHU Sainte-Justine and The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC