Daily COVID-19 digest
New measures in donor centres in effect Monday: We continue to evolve our approach, along with the rest of the world, around the appropriate use of masks in community settings and how those decisions affect our existing measures. On Monday, we will be introducing mandatory masks for donors who enter our collection events, as well as two new supporting measures — we are no longer providing water bottles upon entry and changes are being made to our post-donation refreshment system. You can access additional information on these measures and how they affect the donation process “collections events” section of the Q&A our employee portal. If you are a frontline employee and have specific questions around operations, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor for more information.
A word from Andrew on mental health week: As mental health awareness week comes to a close, we want to share a video from Andrew Pateman, with his reflections on this year’s theme — social connections. Paying attention to our mental health is more important than ever. This week the workplace team hosted a webinar to discuss tips, warning signs, and coping strategies and learn more about how to access and leverage the many resources we offer to support you and your families wellbeing during this challenging time.
Stories from our frontline: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re bringing you stories of our employees who continue to work on the front lines. Dora Lopes-Carvalho and her team are matchmakers for patients and blood components. “This is what we’re called to do, so we come to work every day. There’s no option to work from home. I’ve never worked with people who are more conscientious and more dedicated to that patient at the end of the line. They all care very much about each other as well. It’s a great family to be a part of”. Read Dora’s full story and the rest of our special series at blood.ca/stories.
Some words of thanks from our donors: Our essential staff are on the frontlines every day because lives depend on it. We receive hundreds of notes of gratitude each week from donors after they have interacted with frontline employees and we think it’s important that you know how much of an impact you have made on them. Before you head into your weekend, please pause to read a small selection of their appreciation:
After not donating in 10 years I was a little wary. Especially in the midst of COVID 19. I have to admit I was overly impressed. I work in a hospital, and the experience was meticulous for cleanliness. The two greeters were direct with their instructions and demonstrated how organized and structured everything was. Everyone was cheerful, reassuring, and organized. Dianne in the check-in office was personable and professional. Megan the Phlebotomist accommodated so many of my questions and explained everything so well, that I felt very relaxed and well informed. The refreshment staff inquired on how I was feeling periodically and made me feel well cared for. (Alberta)
I gave blood to Canadian Blood Services on Bayer's Road in Halifax, NS and let me tell you how WONDERFUL the staff are here. When I walked through the automatic doors, they had a station set up outside the clinic with tape to show how far apart to lineup. There was one gentleman sitting at a desk with a shield on it to prevent exposure. They took my info and temperature, asked some questions and then let me inside. Again, they had it set up so that physical distancing was necessary at the counter and then I checked in for my appointment on the touch screen machine. After I walked away, someone came out and immediately wiped the machine down. I went into an office with a nurse to finish my registration she also had a shield on her desk. The ones with the small hole at the bottom just big enough to put your hand through to check your hemoglobin. After the registration was done, I was taken into the waiting area by the beds. There were 4 chairs spaced apart enough that allowed physical distancing. After every single bed use, they feverishly wiped down these beds with disinfectant. Same with the chairs in the waiting area. While I was on the bed, the staff were doing their usual amazing check-ins with each person to make sure they were okay. On top of that, they were singing and laughing and making jokes to keep the mood light. Some people looked as afraid as I felt before going in, but the staff gave us all a much-needed distraction from the worries that were on our minds and made us smile. Everyone thanked me and I made sure to thank them for their service to do what is necessary for those who need blood. So again, I say thank you! You are all wonderful people doing wonderful things I am so happy to donate again when I can! (Nova Scotia)
About the daily digest
This daily digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. Things are moving quickly, so you can expect to hear from us daily. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
Click here to read past editions of the daily digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca