Saskatoon Health Region Hires Transfusion Safety Officer

by Heather Panchuk

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Posted: 25 Jan. 2007

For more information on Canada's TSOs, see TSO website (inc. sample job descriptions)

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That was the headline of our Local newspaper in December of 2006. The announcement has led to a whirlwind of activity on the part of this Transfusion Safety Officer (TSO). The job became permanent Oct. 30, 2006 with a mandate to review policies and procedures for both Laboratory and Nursing, ensuring that within our policies all regulatory standards are being met and finding the best practices from across the country. Also the TSO will investigate and report adverse events and provide continuing education to medical staff.

In what is relatively uncharted territory, this job is exciting and daunting at the same time. First I have learned to appreciate all the help that I receive from TSOs across Canada and through TRAQ itself. Second, I have learned patient safety is a priority to all staff members and, although we struggle with staff shortages and other hardships, everyone is willing to put in the extra effort to provide for our patients.

Saskatchewan is proactively encouraging education and transfusion safety and I look forward to the challenge of this new position.