Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
RICHARDS
THE MINISTRY of Health is taking steps to introduce a consent form that members of the public will have to sign before receiving a blood transfusion or any other form of blood products at hospitals.
John Junor, Minister of Health, made the announcement yesterday at his post-Sectoral Debate press conference at his King Street office, downtown Kingston.
Dr. Lundie Richards, director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, said the forms were long overdue and would be implemented immediately at both public and private hospitals.
Dr. Lundie explained that the form essentially makes the patient aware of the risks associated with receiving blood or blood products.
RISKS
"It clearly explains to the potential recipients what are the implication, why they are going to receive a transfusion, what may be the risks associated with it, not only the minimal risks of contracting an infection but (that) there are other risks such as having an allergic reaction."
Dr. Richards said that persons who refuse the transfusion would have to also sign.
"This document does not absolve the transfusion service of making any particular mistake. These are situations, which may arise independent of whatever tests we carry out," he explained.
Mr. Junor said that the introduction of the form was in response to a case where a patient had contracted HIV/AIDS after a blood transfusion at one of the government's hospital two years ago.
"At the time, the question was raised as to whether or not people were informed of the risk because there is a slight risk, although we test for all of these infectious conditions," he said.
