EVENT ABSTRACTS
For various reasons Hospitals are finding a number of patients who request their treatment without blood transfusion. The majority of those who do so are members of the Jehovah’s Witness faith. At times this can create a challenge for the clinical team and the patient. However, with a better understanding of the patients’ wishes, a consent process which explores risks benefits and alternatives, even very complex surgeries are possible without transfusion.
The Hospital Liaison Committee has over 40 years of experience in providing support for patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many are unaware that this support is for both patient and the clinical teams. The HLC have access to a medical library of peer reviewed journals on surgeries performed without transfusion as well as a database of over 100,000 surgeons with experience in providing treatment without transfusion. This support can be invaluable in planning surgery when a patient declines transfusion.
Mark is a member of the Hospital Liaison Committee for Jehovah’s Witnesses. This global network of more than 2000 HLC’s endeavours to create an environment of cooperation and understanding between hospitals and patients declining blood transfusion. It maintains a medical library of peer reviewed journals to support hospital services. And has a database of over 100,000 clinicians with experience in performing complex procedures without blood transfusion. Mark has made scores of presentations to clinical teams, has assisted with creating blood refusal policies and is available for consultation at any time. All HLC services are free of charge. In his spare time, he likes cycling and walking and has completed climbing the 214 fells in the Lake District and the national three peaks challenge.
