Annual Checkup

The report states: "Over the past 12 years, Canadian Blood Services has transformed Canada's blood system by consistently setting and exceeding the highest standards of quality and performance." It showcases Canadian Blood Services' 2009/2010 results as they reflect the underlying values that have driven success while recognizing that the blood system will continue to apply skills and expertise to help build more effective health-care partnerships from coast to coast.

Chief among Canadian Blood Services' accomplishments this year is the fact that collection targets for all three blood products (whole blood, plasma and platelets) was exceeded for the second consecutive year, with one million donations collected. This was accomplished despite a number of challenges such as the Vancouver Winter Games and the H1N1 outbreak. Much of the success for this was owed to a robust red blood cell inventory as a result of ramped up pandemic planning.

The National Facilities Redevelopment Program was a key component of Canadian Blood Services' commitment to plan for the long-term sustainability of the blood system. Listed in the report is the status of a new production and distribution facility in Brampton, Ontario, renovations to donor-testing facilities in Toronto and the establishment of a new donor collection site in London, Ontario. In the Maritimes a new production and distribution facility is in the works for Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and new blood donor clinics were opened in Halifax, Moncton and Saint John.

The report also describes the extensive consulting and collaborations that have taken place with regard to Canadian Blood Services initial recommendations for an integrated system for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Canada.

"Canadian Blood Services has had a very successful year. I am proud and grateful for the team of talented and passionate employees who help us serve Canadians," says Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services. "By leveraging our national capabilities and expertise, we have achieved many things. Most notably, we met our commitments on the cost per unit, exceeded collection targets, responded to external challenges, strengthened ongoing partnerships, and continued important safety and quality improvements."