Thursday, October 16, 2014

Bloodless Medicine Techniques at Seminar

AUGUSTA, GA (PR)A major principle in Patient- and Family-Centered Care at Georgia Regents Medical Center is that patients have direct input into how their health care is delivered. For instance if a patient doesn’t want a blood transfusion, the hospital can accommodate this request through the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

“For patients motivated by religious convictions and those who are simply concerned about blood-borne illnesses, our Bloodless Medicine Program offers viable alternatives including cell preservation and blood management,” said Dr. Colville Ferdinand, the hospital’s Trauma Chief and the Medical Director of the Bloodless Medicine Program. “Every patient is unique. We respect their individual needs; and if they desire a transfusion-free procedure or surgery, then we will do what we can to honor their wishes.”

You can find out more about bloodless medicine at a free community seminar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Georgia Regents University Alumni Center, 919 15th St. Speakers include Ferdinand; Dr. Mary Arthur, a Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon; and Dr. John Lue, a surgeon in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The seminar will include cell saver demonstrations, diagrams and poster explanations, and a physician Q & A session. While bloodless medicine procedures do not eliminate bleeding during surgical procedures, they do minimize blood loss and ensure optimal medical care without the use of donor blood or blood products. There are also medications that can be used to escalate the production of red blood cells, which, in turn, increases hemoglobin, reducing the need for transfusion.

Georgia Regents Medical Center was the first hospital in Augusta with a bloodless medicine program and is the only one in the CSRA with a designated Medical Director and Program Coordinator.

To reserve your free spot at the seminar, complete the registration form at grhealth.org/bmsp or call 706-721-2677.



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