A word of advice
published: Tuesday | July 4, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I HAVE been following closely your articles on litigation against the medical profession and/or the Jamaica Blood Bank . As a registered nurse who started my nursing career in Jamaica in the early 1980s, I am anxious to know how the administration of blood and blood product is undertaken by nurses.

Here in NYC where I work and reside, there are strict policies and procedures in place when it comes to administration of these products. 'Informed consent' is obtained from patients/guardians prior to any infusions. These consents explain the pros and cons of the procedure and the patient/client has the option to accept or refuse the treatment. Signing of this consent to accept thus protects the institution from most lawsuits.

Patients are encouraged to be informed consumers. Many physicians are now embracing 'blood-less' procedures, where before, a blood transfusion was the norm. As an individual, I would never accept a blood transfusion. I make it my duty to inform my patients of available alternatives. I am hoping that my colleagues back home can access the Internet and keep abreast of new developments and thus avoid the embarrassment of having to go to court or being disbarred from the profession. The old saying that 'ignorance is not an excuse' is very real in today's litigious society.

I am, etc.,

U. BENJAMIN

uniceben11412@yahoo.com,

Queens, NY, Via Go-Jamaica