Province of New Brunswick announces Canadian Blood Services decision

The following is an excerpt from a news release from the Province of New Brunswick.

The provincial government will continue its relationship with Canadian Blood Services. Health Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today.

"Our government has carefully reviewed the reports and data that were submitted to us along with the comments we received from New Brunswickers and stakeholders," said Dubé. "While our preference was always that Canadian Blood Services blood production remain in New Brunswick, I am comfortable that we have done all in our power to keep Canadian Blood Services here and that this decision to continue and strengthen our relationship with Canadian Blood Services ensures that we have an affordable, safe and available blood supply."

Since early 2009, the provincial government tried to convince Canadian Blood Services to reverse its decision to consolidate blood production services in Dartmouth, N.S. ....

Canadian Blood Services has provided assurances that it remains committed to providing blood services in New Brunswick, and it has made adjustments to its consolidation plans to address concerns expressed by New Brunswick stakeholders.

While production and distribution functions are being consolidated to Dartmouth, Canadian Blood Services will continue:
● to collect blood, plasma and platelets in Saint John;
● to maintain the apheresis platelet program in support of the bone marrow transplant program;
● to use Saint John as the hub for mobile collections in the province;
● to maintain a stock holding unit in Saint John with an inventory of finished blood products for regular, ad hoc and emergency deliveries, which will improve services to hospitals as it results in two distribution points instead of one; and
● to continue to collect blood in Moncton.

To view the full news release click here.