Owen Bain, HRMC lab director
AABB accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB, according to Bain.
“Our blood bank has undergone the AABB process and received the accreditation bi-annually for more than 32 years,” Bain explained. “The AABB’s accreditation process is voluntary. We choose to participate because we are committed to advanced learning, continuous improvement and the highest possible level of patient and donor care.”
Two AABB assessors were on site at HRMC in May to perform the inspection. AABB assessors are working professionals who are specially trained to conduct on-site assessments for AABB Accreditation. The accreditation is in effect until June 30, 2012.
“This year the assessors were impressed that a facility our size is able to maintain the standards to achieve this accreditation,” said Bain. “The process allows our staff to receive independent feedback to affirm what we’re doing well – and provides guidance on areas for improvement. This accreditation could not be achieved without the hard work of all the laboratory professionals working at HRMC.”
HRMC’s blood bank is one of only two non-profit, medically sponsored community blood banks in the state of South Dakota. The Huron community uses between 900 and 1,000 units of blood each year to meet the needs of patients with cancer, heart disease, leukemia, severe anemia, bone and joint disorders, as well as surgery and trauma. Blood donated at HRMC is used locally by patients of HRMC.
Donating blood is completely safe for the donor, and the process only takes about 30 minutes. Donors age 17 and older can donate up to one pint of blood every 56 days. The process is simple – upon arriving at the scheduled appointment, a short questionnaire is completed to determine if there are any risk factors that would prohibit the donor from donating blood. This questionnaire is completely confidential. Donated blood is tested and donors are notified of any abnormalities through a confidential process.
Community members interested in donating blood can call 353-6530 to schedule an appointment. For convenience, appointments are available Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Information about the blood type(s) needed for the week is posted on the home page of HRMC’s Web site at www.huronregional.org.
About Huron Regional Medical Center:
HRMC provides state-of-the-art health care with a caring, compassionate touch to residents in Huron and seven surrounding counties in the region. As a non-profit, private corporation, profits are reinvested directly into the hospital for such items as new or updated equipment and expanded programs. HRMC employs approximately 275 people from the area. For more information, visit HRMC’s Web site at www.huronregional.org.
