Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN)

The Quality Essentials For Safe Transfusion (QUEST) program resulted in the establishment of regional networks that were instrumental in the development and dissemination of the quality system materials and operating procedure guidelines that were developed to educate and establish standards in transfusion practice.

The BPCO adopted this model on a provincial level to launch the Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN) initiative, which will build on the knowledge gained and successes of these programs and provide an organized and integrated approach to blood management. ORBCoN has also been created as the mechanism to engage hospitals and CBS; coordinate educational initiatives to facilitate the adoption of best practices and improve patient safety; and to assist the BPCO with implementing aspects of the Blood Utilization Strategy and carrying out provincial projects.

The development of ORBCoN is not intended to replace or duplicate existing structures, but to support and enhance the planning, coordination and integration already being undertaken within the province with respect to blood transfusion service delivery.

As an important partner in blood management, CBS is a key member of the networks and the boundaries in Ontario for the three networks parallel those of CBS. A host organization has been selected within each of the three regions to house and provide guidance to regional teams.

For more information on ORBCoN please contact your regional ORBCoN representative.
 

	Region	Host Organization	Contact
Central Ontario		Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto	416-480-6100 ext. 89434
Northern and Eastern Ontario		The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa	613-798-5555 ext. 19740
Southwest Ontario		McMaster University, Hamilton	905-525-9140 ext. 22915