CJW Medical Center Launches Innovative Blood Conservation System

RICHMOND, VA, [May 15, 2008] – CJW Medical Center recently signed a contract with Hemo Concepts, Inc., to implement a state-of-the-art Integrated Blood Conservation (IBC) and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program. IBC creates guidelines for the reduced need of donor blood and transfusions, thereby directly improving patient outcomes. It combines e-learning, classroom training, accredited online CME, program implementation, data collection and outcomes reporting. 

“Blood conservation combines good medicine with good business,” said 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 our program,” said Damon Keeley, Hemo Concepts Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

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. According to Keeley, “Blood shortages, clinical problems, and the financial impact associated with the reliance on an increasingly costly and shrinking donor blood supply are major health care concerns now and for the future.”

The Hemo Concepts’ IBC program uses an evidence-based outcomes process, combining on-site training, accredited online continuing medical education, and patient outcomes data analysis to promote appropriate donor blood utilization in hospitals. Their system uses web-based tools to shorten the educational process, allowing physicians and nurses to quickly reduce their reliance on donor blood transfusions in patient care. More information about Hemo Concepts is available at www.hemoconcepts.com

About CJW Medical Center
CJW Medical Center has 758 beds on its two campuses. Chippenham, in the city of Richmond, offers a state-designated level III trauma center, The Levinson Heart Hospital and Tucker Pavilion; while Johnston-Willis, in Chesterfield County, offers the Thomas Johns Cancer Hospital and the Neuroscience & Gamma Knife Center. CJW Medical Center is a member of HCA Richmond Health System.

About HCA Richmond Health System
With 1,800 beds, 7,700 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians, HCA Richmond Health System is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider and largest private employer in Central Virginia.  HCA Richmond Health System operates six hospital campuses along with freestanding surgery, imaging and Quick Care centers.  Our hospitals include CJW Medical Center, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, John Randolph Medical Center and Retreat Hospital.  Both CJW Medical Center and Henrico Doctors’ Hospital have been named HealthGrades ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals’ in 2007 and 2008. They are the only Virginia hospitals to earn this distinction two years in a row.  For more information or to select a physician, please contact MedLine at 800-242-5662.