Friday, February 7, 2003

Southern Regional reacts to blood quarantine

Southern Regional Health System announced late last week that it was cancelling all elective surgeries with the potential for blood usage as a result of the recent blood quarantine by the Red Cross.

"Southern Regional, like many other area hospitals, will continue to perform surgeries in trauma or emergency type situations," according to a written statement issued Friday.

"To ensure the safety of our patients, Southern Regional Health System is following the recommendation of the American Red Cross to visually examine units of blood prior to use," said Rick Smith, director of public relations and marketing at Southern Regional.

The Red Cross is working to provide blood units to Southern Regional from other areas outside the affected region, according to reports.

"It may take several days for our hospital blood supply to be fully restocked," said Smith. "In the meantime, we will review all pending surgeries and reschedule all those deemed as non-emergent."