On November 26, 1997, Health Minister Allan Rock, on behalf of the Federal government, released the final report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada (Krever Commission). Blood Conservation Programs were established across Canada based on the Commission's recommendations (Health Canada).

The "Blood Products Alternative Program (BPAP)" was launched in 2000 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. After demonstrating efficacy in blood management and in providing safe patient care, it evolved into the Blood Conservation Service for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). The administrative base for the BCS is at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. This is the major trauma centre and referral centre for Manitoba, Eastern Saskatchewan, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut. Healthcare professionals and patients within the Winnipeg region can access the Service at any time.

Our service goals are:

• To enhance patient care and patient satisfaction through blood & blood alternatives education,
• To provide a process whereby patients are informed and appropriate alternatives are implemented,
• To decrease the demand on the blood supply.

Patients that could benefit from the Blood Conservation Service:

• Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures which are associated with:
  • High blood loss
  • Staged procedures
• Anemic patients
• Small patients (low body weight)
• Patients with a difficult cross-match or multiple anti-bodies
• Patients who do not accept blood transfusion for any reason