Canadian Blood Services announces clinic model change in Grand Falls-Windsor
Mobile blood donor clinics to return in 2014
Grand Falls-Windsor, January 30, 2014 – After careful review and consideration, Canadian Blood Services has decided to change its collections model for Grand Falls-Windsor by introducing mobile blood donor clinics to the community and closing the Grand Falls-Windsor permanent blood donor clinic effective February 13, 2014. All Canadian Blood Services employees in Grand Falls-Windsor – 10 part-time employees – will be affected and were informed earlier today.
“We value and appreciate the support and loyalty of our community partners, donors and volunteers in Grand Falls–Windsor,” said Ian Mumford, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Canadian Blood Services. “While a permanent centre is no longer a feasible option, donors, community partners and volunteers will continue to have opportunities to contribute to the national blood system at regular mobile blood donor clinics that will be introduced to the town and scheduled throughout the year beginning later in 2014.”
The decision to close the blood donor clinic was not taken lightly – but it is the right thing to do. As a not-for-profit organization funded by the provincial and territorial governments, Canadian Blood Services is expected to provide a safe and efficient service aligned with the needs of its hospital customers. With a steady five-year decline in collections at this site - a trend expected to continue – the Grand Falls-Windsor blood collections centre is no longer a sustainable option for the national blood system.
This clinic model change will have no impact on patient care or the availability of blood products. As is the current practice, local patients will continue to receive the blood and blood products they need from the St. John’s production and distribution centre.
“We understand and are sensitive to the fact that closing the clinic will be disappointing and have an impact on the employees in Grand Falls-Windsor. We will ensure that we treat staff fairly and respectfully and that support measures are in place to address their needs during their transition” said Mumford. “We thank our local employees for their years of dedication and their significant contribution to the national blood system.”
The Grand Falls-Windsor blood donor clinic is scheduled to remain in operation through Thursday, February 13, 2014. Regular mobile blood donor clinics will be introduced to the town and scheduled throughout the year beginning later in 2014.
Ian Mumford, Chief Supply Chain Officer, will be available on January 30 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Beothuk Room at the Mount Peyton hotel for interviews.
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