|
UMDNJ- University Hospital
established the University Center for Bloodless Surgery
and Medicine in order to provide the "gold standard" of
modern medical care to its patients. While the total avoidance
of blood transfusions is a matter of religious belief
or personal conviction among some patients, others may
wish to avoid the use of donor blood to minimize the risk
of blood-borne infections and decreased immune response.
Bloodless surgery and medicine provides proven, documented
diagnostic and treatment alternatives to patients, regardless
of their motivation, and raises the standards of safety
and efficiency in patient care. By assembling a
team of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals
across the full spectrum of care provided at University
Hospital, the University Center for Bloodless Surgery
and Medicine can provide you with the latest
bloodless treatment techniques for a wide
range of elective and emergency procedures.
This team is committed to the concept of bloodless surgery
and medicine and will honor the wishes of patients requesting
this type of treatment.
To ensure that all University Hospital patients and
visitors, regardless of their diagnosis and personal
or religious beliefs and preferences, are aware of our
institutional philosophy on bloodless care, the following
statement is posted in public areas and is made available
throughout the hospital and its satellite areas:
To Our Patients:
We believe that you should
know and understand University Hospital's policy on
the use of blood and blood products. Even
though your medical problem may not require you to receive
a blood transfusion, we want you to understand your
options.
We always seek to provide you with the best medical
care possible. As part of that philosophy of care, every
healthcare professional at University Hospital uses
various techniques and practices to keep your blood
count at a safe level without having to use donated
blood or blood products. Some of those techniques and
practices include using very small samples for blood
tests and special equipment in the operating room to
prevent or minimize bleeding during surgery.
We do this because it is good medical practice. While
the donated blood supply in the United States is extremely
safe, it is still possible in rare circumstances for
some infectious diseases to be transmitted through blood
transfusions. Also, medical studies have shown that
donated blood may reduce a person=s immunity, which
can make it more difficult to fight off infections or
recover from illnesses.
If your doctor thinks a blood transfusion or the use
of a blood product is needed for your care, your permission
will be requested after you receive a full explanation
of why the blood is required. If,
for religious or personal reasons, you wish to totally
avoid the use of blood and blood products under all
or certain circumstances, you will be enrolled in our
bloodless surgery and medicine program as soon as you
advise the doctor or nurse of your decision.
University Hospital's bloodless surgery and medicine
program was designed to provide the best possible care
to patients while fully respecting their wishes regarding
the use of blood and blood products. Our full-time coordinator
works with patients, their families, and the hospital
staff to ensure that the plan of bloodless treatment
is appropriately carried out at all times.
If you wish to be placed in the University Hospital
bloodless surgery and medicine program during your treatment
at University Hospital, please inform your doctor or
nurse. If you have any questions regarding bloodless
treatment, you may also ask your doctor or nurse or
you may call the University
Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine at 1-888-BLD-LESS
(253-5377).
|
About
the Center
Printer
Friendly Page
