Cord blood collection in Ottawa resumes July 27

July 23, 2020 (OTTAWA)  – Aligned with the public health decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions in most parts of Ontario, and in consultation with clinicians as hospitals gradually return to normal operations, Canadian Blood Services will resume cord blood collection in Ottawa on Monday, July 27, 2020.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank temporarily suspended cord blood collections at its four collection hospitals in Ottawa, Brampton, Edmonton and Vancouver. The suspension was guided by the recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the increasing hospital restrictions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Cord blood collections already resumed in Brampton (GTA) on June 22, 2020 and in Edmonton on July 13, 2020.

During the first week of the resumption of cord blood collections in Ottawa, mothers who have registered to donate their babies’ cord blood at The Ottawa Hospital – General campus will be able to do so from Monday to Friday during the day. We will return to full capacity on August 3, 2020, operating Monday to Friday during the day and evenings.

We recognize and understand there may be concerns about the health and safety of mothers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To maximize donor safety throughout the cord blood collection process, our partner hospitals have put appropriate physical distancing measures in place and will be taking every precaution, including the use of personal protective equipment. We are committed to ensuring mothers have a safe and rewarding donor experience.

Canadian Blood Services continues to work closely with hospitals, as well as monitoring information from provincial and territorial partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada to determine when to resume cord blood collection in Vancouver.

For more information, visit blood.ca/donatecord.