Pembroke Regional Hospital in Ontario received a national designation on March 3, 2026, for following safe and evidence-based practices when giving blood to patients. The hospital earned the Using Blood Wisely status from Choosing Wisely Canada and Canadian Blood Services for its work in reducing unnecessary transfusions.
To achieve this goal, Pembroke Regional Hospital met strict requirements, such as using single-unit red blood cell transfusions in at least 65 per cent of cases. This method allows medical staff to check on a patient after one unit of blood is given before deciding if they need more.
The hospital also managed 80 per cent of stable patients without a transfusion when their blood levels remained above a safe limit. Dr. Amanda Williamson led the project through the hospital’s Medical Quality Improvement Committee to ensure blood is used responsibly and kept available for emergencies.
The Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association provided data and support to help the hospital reach these national standards. Hospital vice-president Beth Brownlee says the new practices provide more personalized care and lower the risk of side effects for patients.
