Daily COVID-19 digest

How-to video series: Today, we launched a new series of how-to videos for our teams on the frontlines. Our new videos — how to put on and remove a mask; how to remove gloves; and how to self-administer employee temperature checks were created with our team in Brampton to help employees implement the new measures in place to keep our teams and donors safe. You can access all three videos on your COVID-19 employee portal. They will also be available for viewing on Connect TV later this week. If you have any questions about our new safety measures, we encourage you to speak with your manager for further guidance or email communications@blood.ca.

New process for managing COVID-19 related cases: Today we implemented a new process to streamline how we receive and respond to information about potential or known COVID-19 related cases. Going forward, if you receive information regarding a potential or known case of COVID-19, please notify your manager/supervisor who will submit a digital intake form on your behalf. From there, a centralized team of key representatives will manage the case until closure, ensuring all appropriate steps are taken. If you are a frontline employee, please note that this process does not apply to donors who are denied entry at our wellness checkpoints. By standardizing our process, we can respond to cases more efficiently and effectively and limit the risk of spreading the virus. Have questions? Please speak with your manager or contact Elizabeth.shawwood@blood.ca.

New process to make HR requests: We are making it easier for employees to track the status of their human resource (HR) requests, receive timely responses and ensure we meet the needs of an evolving virtual workplace. Starting today, employees will be able to log and track their HR requests through our service management tool on Connect. By modernizing our approach, we are enhancing the user experience for our teams. Using the tool, employees can easily contact HR Representatives with inquiries regarding: benefits and pension, pay, collective agreement, terms and conditions, and entitlements — including seniority, vacation and leave. It can also be used to seek EDA, MDA and SDA support. Learn more about making an HR request and how we are improving your user experience on Connect.

Question of the day: Can you give us an update on our collections? Do we have excess inventory?

Donors have responded very well since the start of the pandemic; originally, demand from hospitals was lower due to elective surgeries being cancelled in most hospitals.

For some time, our inventories of blood were high, and we took action to manage this very carefully. We did experience some outdated units of blood because of the sudden lower demand. In addition to working to align our supply plan and closely monitor demand from patients and hospitals, we also shifted some our advertising and external messaging away from blood to highlight stem cells and the other ways Canadians can support us.

At this time, the need for blood is rising quickly as hospitals resume procedures that were put on hold due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, physical distancing in our donor centres puts new constraints on how much blood we can collect.

As a result, we do not have excess inventory. In fact, inventories are slightly below our target range but still adequate to meet the incoming demands from hospitals.

Groups across the organization are working hard to both increase capacity in our donor centres and recruit donors to fill every available appointment. Our donors have shown incredible flexibility and commitment throughout COVID-19 and we need that to continue as we adjust and respond to this next phase.

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.