Patient Blood Management Program

The Blood Conservation Program (ONTraC – Ontario Transfusion Coordinators) offers pre-operative patients alternatives to avoid blood transfusions post-operatively.

The Peri-Operative Patient Blood Management Program at Windsor Regional Hospital (Metropolitan Campus) provides service to clients that have been identified as being at potential risk of receiving a blood transfusion. The current focus is on the following surgical procedures - Knee Replacements, Hip Replacements, Abdominal Hysterectomy and Laparotomy Myomectomy.

This service is available to all surgical clients whether their surgery is at the Metropolitan or Ouellette Campuses of WRH. Haemoglobin and Ferritin blood tests will identify those clients who may be candidates for Eprex therapy.


Assistance is provided to these clients in obtaining coverage of the cost of Eprex medication (Ontario Drug Benefits / Trillium / Ontario Disability and private insurance plans), setting of necessary appointments for the administration of this medication, monitoring and follow-up of Hemoglobin levels during treatment. Advice and support regarding dietary information and possible use of oral iron supplements are also available.

 

RESOURCES

 

FAQ's

Has the Blood Conservation Program had an impact on the transfusion rate for Knee Replacements surgeries?

Yes. The ONTraC retrospective data collection done in 2002 showed a transfusion rate of the Total Knee Replacements done at Windsor Regional Hospital of 18.3% (Provincially - 24.5%). The latest data collection shows a general decrease in transfusion rates for knee replacements over the years. In 2018, the transfusion rate @ WRH was 0 % for knee replacement surgery. The transfusion rates for hip replacements are gradually decreasing as well.

Is it true that clients will need to give written informed consent in order to receive a transfusion of blood/blood products?

Yes. This initiative has been undertaken on a regional basis by Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores Healthcare and Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare. The Physician / Nurse Practitioner and/or Midwife will obtain the written informed consent from the client.

Is Rh Immune Globulin (WinRho) a blood product?

Yes. A written informed consent is required from the client before this product is administered.

What alternatives are available before surgery to a client to decrease the risk of needing a blood transfusion?

Improving one’s dietary intake of iron-rich foods, the use of oral iron supplements and if a client is a candidate – the use of a medication by the name of Eprex. The Patient Blood Management Coordinator will discuss these strategies with the client at their preadmission visit. The Coordinator will also assist in the process through Ontario Drug Benefits for coverage of the cost of Eprex if needed.

 

CONTACT US 

For information regarding the Patient Blood Management Program and services available, please contact:

Veronika Pulley, RN, BScN, BA, OHN
Patient Blood Management Program Nurse Coordinator

Phone: (519) 254-5577 Ext. 52389
Fax: (519) 255-6740
E-mail: veronika.pulley@wrh.on.ca
Location: Metropolitan Campus 1st Floor, southeast corridor, Room ME 1409
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm