Alberta, 3M Canada partner in medical product testing research

Calgary, AB – A collaborative partnership, funded with $500,000 each from the Alberta’s provincial government and 3M Canada, will support research at the Ward of the 21st Century (W21C) at the University of Calgary. The collaboration is intended to help establish Alberta as a centre for medical product testing.

The first project to be awarded funding is the use of a pressure bandage for the care of patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries, such as on the knee joint. In partnership with the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, W21C will test and validate the use of the bandage to reduce swelling, and to improve pain management and early function.

“As a science-based company, 3M produces thousands of innovative products and is a leader in scores of markets including health care, and energy, and employee safety. We are proud to partner with the Government of Alberta, W21C, and AIHS on a valuable initiative such as this which stresses the importance of innovation,” says Paul Madden, president and general manager, 3M Canada.

Based in the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, and the Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services, W21C conducts health systems research focusing on improving patient safety and quality of care. The organization will be providing project management for the Alberta – 3M collaboration. It will also play a critical role connecting companies, local and international such as 3M, to the health care system through its extensive network of researchers and clinicians.

3M already has a formal relationship with the province that includes a 2008 collboration to develop liners prolonging pipeline life for the oil and gas sector. It also has a laboratory facility in Calgary conducting research and testing for pipeline products and a recently opened customer technical centre in Calgary that enables customers to interact with its products, technologies and expertise.