Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is preparing to open a third plasma collection centre in Cambridge. This is a thrilling development – one that should happen within the next few months. This facility is located on Hespeler Road. It represents a significant step forward in CBS’s long-term collaboration with Grifols, a Spanish global healthcare leader. The centre’s ambition is to increase Canada’s self-sufficiency in immunoglobulin. This life-saving plasma-based medicine helps to treat many serious and chronic conditions from hemophilia to respiratory disorders.
The plasma donated at this location will be instrumental in creating the lifesaving immunoglobulin medicines needed by patients in every province and territory in Canada. By creating this centre, CBS aims to meet the increased need for these life-saving services. The new facility in Cambridge will join existing plasma collection centres in Whitby and Hamilton, with plans for two additional centres to open in Ontario soon.
“Governments are supportive of our plan to secure the domestic supply of lifesaving immunoglobulins for patients in Canada,” stated a representative from Canadian Blood Services.
Plasma is the protein-rich liquid that constitutes the majority of our blood volume. It is a lifesaving and life-enhancing medication that is used to treat many different medical conditions. Donations allowed twice within a seven-day window, maximizing the chances for their community to come out and participate. It is crucial to remember that paying for plasma donations is still illegal in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
The Cambridge centre will be licensed and operate under the Ontario Voluntary Blood Donations Act. This new law contains a blanket exemption just for CBS and its agents. Transparency critics have always warned about what co-location and other such contractual arrangements would mean. Jim Stewart, a vocal opponent of profit-driven healthcare models, remarked, “It’s a repugnant example of profit driven healthcare,” further questioning the ethical foundation of privatizing healthcare systems.
In an attempt to address these fears, Grifols put out a press release highlighting their dedication to community health. The plasma that we collect in Cambridge will be used to produce those lifesaving immunoglobulin medicines for Canadian patients. Tied to our commitment to support Canada’s immunoglobulin self-sufficiency. According to a former representative of Grifols, each unit of plasma collected in Cambridge goes directly to helping Canadians. That even includes patients literally on the other side of the community.
With the opening date approaching, Grifols is excited about becoming part of the fabric of their new, local community. “Grifols is looking forward to becoming part of the Cambridge community with the upcoming opening of our plasma collection centre on Hespeler Road,” they added.
