Nova Scotia blood management program helping patients prepare for safer surgery

Established 25 years ago, the program supports hundreds of surgical patients each month by identifying and treating blood-related conditions before and after procedures.

Nova Scotia Health is highlighting the role of its Perioperative Blood Management program in improving surgical safety, reducing the need for blood transfusions and supporting patient recovery.

The program, which has operated for 25 years, helps patients undergoing surgery in Halifax and Dartmouth optimize their blood health before, during and after procedures.

One of the first programs of its kind in Canada and the largest east of Montreal, the service focuses on identifying and treating conditions such as anemia and iron deficiency that can increase surgical risks.

The team assesses approximately 150 new surgical patients each month and supports more than 300 additional patients during and after hospitalization.

Identifying risks before surgery

Anemia and iron deficiency can significantly affect a patient’s ability to tolerate surgery and recover afterward.

When these conditions go undetected, patients may be more likely to require blood transfusions, experience complications or face longer hospital stays.

The Perioperative Blood Management team works to identify these concerns early, allowing clinicians to implement appropriate treatment before surgery whenever possible.

Ideally, patients are assessed four to six weeks before their scheduled procedures, providing time to improve blood health and reduce potential complications.

The approach emphasizes preserving and managing a patient’s own blood rather than relying unnecessarily on transfusions.

Supporting hundreds of patients monthly

The program is led by nurse practitioner Heather Mingo, anesthesiologist Dr. Blaine Kent, and registered nurses Erin Sampson and Katlyn Carver.

Together, the team works with patients and surgical care providers to identify blood-related concerns, coordinate treatment and support recovery.

Their work takes place within a busy provincial surgical system.

Nova Scotia Health reported completing more than 73,000 surgeries between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

With approximately one in four surgical patients experiencing anemia, early identification and treatment of blood-related conditions represent important opportunities to improve perioperative care.

The program’s work extends beyond preoperative assessment, with patients receiving support during hospitalization and following surgery when needed.

Reducing unnecessary transfusions

Patient blood management has become an internationally recognized approach to improving surgical care.

The World Health Organization has formally recognized the importance of blood management since 2010.

Advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia and methods of controlling blood loss have also helped reduce the need for transfusions.

Although transfusions remain essential and potentially lifesaving for many patients, avoiding unnecessary exposure to blood products can help reduce certain risks while preserving blood supplies for those who need them.

The Nova Scotia program also has experience supporting patients who cannot accept blood transfusions for religious or other reasons.

This work has contributed to the team’s approach to individualized surgical planning and blood conservation.

Recognizing excellence in surgical care

The Perioperative Blood Management team received the 2024 Dalhousie University Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine Internal Team Award of Excellence.

The recognition acknowledged the team’s contributions to patient care and the management of blood-related issues throughout the surgical journey.

Nova Scotia Health highlighted the program during Blood Management Awareness Week, held November 2 to 6.

As healthcare systems continue working to improve surgical outcomes and make efficient use of resources, programs that identify and manage risks before surgery can play an important role.

Nova Scotia’s experience demonstrates how multidisciplinary collaboration and early intervention can support safer procedures, more individualized treatment and improved patient recovery.

Source: Nova Scotia Health — Supporting safer surgeries with the Perioperative Blood Management program

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