CSTM Meet the Committee – Transfusion Safety Network

Welcome to the “Meet the CSTM Committee” blog series! Over the coming months our committees will be spotlighted along with some insider information about those involved. If you are interested in joining a committee we invite members to complete and submit a CSTM Volunteer Application form – available from the members section of the webpage or by emailing [email protected]
 
Author: Crystal Brunk

CSTM Transfusion Safety Network (TSN)

With support from the CSTM board the TSN was founded in 2020 by Clare O’Reilly. The vision was to create a space for those passionate about transfusion safety to discuss challenges, successes, and share resources. Leveraging what other organizations were doing Clare developed the TSN’s mandate “to provide a platform for CSTM members, including but not limited to nurses, medical technologists and physicians, who perform quality and safety roles within Transfusion Medicine, and have a shared interest in transfusion safety to connect” and put a call out to CSTM members to join.
Initially starting with 16 members the TSN has grown to include over 25 members with representation from nearly every province, professional background, and an assortment of roles within transfusion medicine. Meeting for an hour every other month the group spends time discussing various hot topics and sharing their work via small group presentations.

Virtual Connections

The TSNs inception started before the COVID pandemic but landed just as everyone was starting to feel disconnected after the 2020 CSTM conference was cancelled and hit the mark in terms of providing an opportunity to connect. Members quickly began to network in a way that was still new to most – the initial challenge was finding that darn unmute button! Bonds quickly grew strong over conversations about using podcasts for education, reducing duplicate group and screen collections, to the more recent SD plasma discussions, and code orange management. The TSN is currently co-chaired by Clare O’Reilly and Paula Carroll who bring passion to the committee and keep the group organized. Looking to finish her term as co-chair in 2024/25 Clare is thrilled that her initial idea for the committee has continued to grow and develop. Eager to stay on as a member Clare’s commitment to the committee is remarkable.

Ready to Join?

Considered the best CSTM committee to get your “feet wet” the TSN is always welcoming new members! The only pre-requisite is holding a CSTM individual membership – however an interest in transfusion safety and a desire to connect with others is also appreciated.