Vitalité Health Network committed to protecting the blood supply and reducing unnecessary transfusions

Vitalité Health Network, Monday, December 11, 2023 – Blood products are a vital and limited health system resource. Being concerned about using these products efficiently, Vitalité Health Network joined the national “Using Blood Wisely” program designed to reduce unnecessary red blood cell transfusions, which can pose certain risks to patients.

A review of our practices indicated that we already had some excellent processes in place but that some improvements could also be made.

Since then, the Chaleur Regional Hospital and Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre have both gone on to obtain the “Using Blood Wisely Hospital” designation.

This Canadian designation, granted by the organization Choosing Wisely and by Canadian Blood Services, attests that recipients are meeting national benchmarks and demonstrating ongoing commitment to quality improvement.

“Vitalité Health Network is proud to participate in this process,” stated Dr. Éric Levasseur, the Network’s Chief of Staff.  “We earned this designation through intensive teamwork and outstanding medical collaboration. It is testament to the leadership we are showing in clinical performance.”

Improving transfusion practices helps ensure that we have an optimal supply of blood products – which are essential to saving lives – and conserves our human and financial resources. It also reduces the risk of transfusion-related complications.

At the Network, we will be continuing our efforts until all our facilities earn the “Using Blood Wisely” designation.

“Hospitals have a key role to play in ensuring that every blood donation is used as efficiently as possible. Every drop counts, and concerted action is required to protect our supply of blood products,” Dr. Éric Levasseur explained. “We are determined to meet this challenge.”