CJW Medical Center has signed a contract with Hemo Concepts, Inc., to implement a state-of-the-art Integrated Blood Conservation (IBC) program and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program. By reducing the need for donor blood and transfusions, the initiative will cut costs and improve patient outcomes.

"Blood conservation combines good medicine with good business," says Dr. James Zocco, cardiac surgeon at CJW Medical Center. "We want to provide our patients the highest quality care possible and they are better off not having costly blood transfusions unless it is absolutely necessary. This program will also help to reduce the potential risks associated with blood transfusions. In addition, bloodless medicine and surgery will also address the needs of patients who object to the use of blood transfusions during their treatment."

CJW Medical Center will be the first Richmond area hospital to implement the program,  says Damon Keeley, CEO of New Jersey-based Hemo Concepts. "IBC will allow them to preserve precious blood resources for when they are most needed. It also reduces overall healthcare costs and leads to increasing patient satisfaction." The program combines e-learning, classroom training, accredited online CME, program implementation, data collection and outcomes reporting.

Chronic blood shortages and escalating costs have sparked growing interest in donor blood transfusions. The issue of adequate blood supply also takes on critical importance in disaster preparedness.

CJW Medical Center has 758 beds on its two campuses: Chippenham, in the city of Richmond, and Johnston-Willis, in Chesterfield County. Read more.