Conference focuses on safety in blood transfusions in hospitals

The plan will encompass issues such as safer pregnancy, patient care and injections and improved networks of health professionals and more developed skills of nurses and midwives, said a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday.

The UAE is among 22 countries participating in a three-day international workshop on ‘Strengthening the role of nurses and midwives, ensuring safe clinical transfusion and patient safety’, the draft of which will be presented to the WHO for endorsement.

In a speech delivered at the opening of the workshop, Dr Hanif Hassan, UAE Minister of Health, said, “The ministry has approved several initiatives and implemented programmes of international standards that will have a positive impact on upgrading the medical services in the UAE.”

The existence of the Blood Transfusion and Research Services Centre in Sharjah has fulfilled a prerequisite that the country requires to develop a national action plan for blood safety. Besides, it is a WHO-approved centre for the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practices and Licences at the ministry, gave a presentation on the UAE plans and programmes in the field of blood transfusion and safety.

Dr Neelam, Dhingra, Coordinator for Blood Transfusion Safety at WHO in Geneva Headquarters, said, “The UAE has achieved much in the field of blood transfusion services especially in the field of voluntary blood donation and tests used to detect diseases that are transmitted through blood.”

The workshop that is being attended by 70 participants from 22 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Far East and Africa regions will review the experiences of some countries in blood transfusion safety and the role of nurses and midwives in achieving this goal for the welfare of patients’ safety.

According to WHO, blood safety plays a major role in preventing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis viruses and other blood borne pathogens in healthcare settings. — asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com