Waterloo Regional Health Network’s care providers have gone above and beyond to give life for patients in Waterloo Wellington and others outside of the region.
WRHN has become the top hospital in Canada for lifesaving blood donations in 2017. Staff, physicians and volunteers gave an amazing 571 units last year.
“When organizations like Waterloo Regional Health Network become part of the Partners for Life program, they help support collections to help all those who need it most,” says Michael Betel, Director of Donor Relations (Ontario and Nunavut), Canadian Blood Services. “Canadian Blood Services congratulates Waterloo Regional Health Network, and appreciates the organization’s vital role in increasing blood donations in 2017.”
Waterloo Regional Health Network joined Canadian Blood Services’ Partners for Life program in December 2009. Donations by members of the hospital community are tallied for a WRHN total. Of particular note:
- The hospital’s 2017 blood donation total is more than double its previous record of 274 units donated in 2015;
- New donors were responsible for nearly a quarter of the hospital’s blood donation total for the year; and
- Of more than 2,000 partner organizations taking part across Canada, WRHN placed 19th in 2017.
“Every year, thousands of patients in our emergency, childbirth, children’s, surgical, cancer and renal (kidney) programs depend on blood products for their care,” said Malcolm Maxwell, WRHN’s president and CEO. “I want to thank the members of WRHN’s community who rolled up their sleeves and gave life in 2017. I also thank Canadian Blood Services for supporting our effort and helping our people to make a difference.”
Even though half of the Canadian population is eligible to donate, only four per cent of people do. Every year, patients at WRHN depend on more than 9,000 units of blood and blood products to support their care. Donor clinics are readily available in permanent and travelling locations.
To book an appointment, use the Give Blood App for Apple or Android, visit blood.ca (opens in a new tab) or call 1-888-2-DONATE.