Halton Healthcare’s Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital recognized for blood stewardship

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

In a commendable feat of commitment to patient care, Halton Healthcare’s Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) in Ontario has been awarded the prestigious Using Blood Wisely (UBW) Hospital designation by Choosing Wisely Canada and Canadian Blood Services. This national recognition underscores the hospital’s dedication to optimizing the use of red blood cell transfusions and ensuring continuous quality improvement in healthcare delivery.

The Using Blood Wisely program, a nationwide initiative, focuses on safeguarding the Canadian blood supply for patients who need transfusions most. The program offers guidelines on the appropriate timing and method for red blood cell transfusions, enhancing patient outcomes.

Shairoz Kherani, Director of Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging at Halton Healthcare, emphasizes the laboratory’s pivotal role in facilitating the efficient and effective utilization of blood products. Achieving the Using Blood Wisely Hospital designation necessitates meeting stringent standards set by a national steering committee, which involve rigorous literature reviews and prior quality improvement studies. Kherani commends the collaborative efforts of laboratory staff in conducting audits, screening orders, and educating healthcare professionals, culminating in the hospital’s well-deserved recognition.

Physician Leads Dr. Anum Haroon and Dr. Pearl Lau highlight the importance of judiciously utilizing red blood cell transfusions to mitigate risks of adverse reactions and ensure equitable access to transfusion services across the healthcare system.

Hilary Rodrigues, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Performance, and Chief Financial Officer at Halton Healthcare, lauds the interdisciplinary teamwork that propelled the organization toward this achievement. She underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. She applauds initiatives like Using Blood Wisely that prioritize patient safety and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

Furthermore, Halton Healthcare’s Laboratory has also been acknowledged for its participation in Choosing Wisely Canada’s Using Labs Wisely program. This program aims to streamline laboratory practices and reduce unnecessary testing, thereby minimizing potential harm to patients.