Cord blood collection in Brampton resumes Monday

June 17, 2020 (OTTAWA) – Aligned with the public health decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions in most parts of Ontario, and in consultation with clinicians as hospitals gradually return to normal operations, Canadian Blood Services will resume cord blood collection in Brampton (GTA) on Monday, June 22, 2020.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank temporarily suspended cord blood collections at its four collection hospitals in Ottawa, Brampton, Edmonton and Vancouver. The suspension was guided by the recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the increasing hospital restrictions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

During the first week of the resumption of cord blood collections, mothers who have registered to donate their babies’ cord blood at Brampton Civic Hospital will be able to do so from Monday to Friday during the day. We will return to full capacity on June 29, 2020, operating Monday to Friday during the day and evenings.

We recognize and understand there may be concerns about the health and safety of mothers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To maximize donor safety throughout the cord blood collection process, our partner hospitals have put appropriate physical distancing measures in place and will be taking every precaution, including the use of personal protective equipment. We are committed to ensuring mothers have a safe and rewarding donor experience.

Canadian Blood Services continues to work closely with hospitals, as well as monitoring information from provincial and territorial partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada to determine when to resume cord blood collection in Ottawa, Edmonton and Vancouver. We will share more updates about cord blood collection in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit blood.ca/donatecord.