By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to patient safety by equipping over 110 nurses from both public and private hospitals across the state with the skills needed to ensure safe blood transfusion practices.
Held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre in Alausa, the one-day comprehensive training sought to reinforce competency and professionalism in blood transfusion procedures.
Declaring the event open, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, stressed that while blood transfusions can be the difference between life and death, improper administration could lead to catastrophic complications.
Dr. Ogunyemi extolled the role of nurses in safeguarding patient health, highlighting that their vigilance and competency in blood transfusion practices are critical.
“Nurses are the backbone of transfusion safety, from prescription to post-transfusion care, and we trust that this training will enhance their ability to identify potential risks and take proactive action,” she asserted.
In her address, Dr. Ogunyemi also acknowledged the pivotal contributions of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), led by Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, in strengthening the state’s blood transfusion framework.
She commended Dr. Osikomaiya’s efforts in ensuring that transfusion practices across Lagos are both safe and effective.
Dr. Osikomaiya, the Executive Secretary of LSBTS, opened her remarks by emphasizing the critical importance of continuous professional development in transfusion medicine.
“This initiative is just one of many steps we are taking to ensure that our healthcare workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle transfusion challenges,” she remarked.
All participants of the training were inaugurated as Safe Blood Transfusion Champions, tasked with advocating for and upholding transfusion best practices within their respective healthcare institutions.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi reiterated the state’s commitment to continuous education for healthcare professionals.
She emphasised the importance of the nurses’ role in cascading the knowledge gained to their peers.
The Head of Hematology and Blood Transfusion at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Professor Ebele Uche, delivered a keynote presentation focused on identifying and managing transfusion reactions.
She noted that while doctors prescribe blood transfusions, it is the nurses who spend the most time monitoring patients and are, therefore, in the best position to detect any adverse reactions early.
Also, Professor Uche addressed the sensitive issue of religious objections to blood transfusions, urging healthcare professionals to engage in informed discussions with patients.
The event also saw contributions from key regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Health Service Commission (HSC), and the Directorate of Nursing Services.