[can.general] The Canadian Red Cross

robert@isgtec.UUCP (Robert Osborne) (09/19/89)

I went to donate blood on Friday and discovered that the Red Cross has
switched manufacturers of their needles.  They way I found out was by
being subjected to an incredible amount of pain.  In fact, I came close
to slugging the nurse who was plugging in the needle.  After my obviously
unamused reaction she explained that everybody was complaining and suggested
I fill out the donor comment card explaining my view.  Today (Monday) I have
a huge bruise that runs from just above my elbow to 3/4 of the way to my wrist.

What I want to know is what prompted the Red Cross, which depends solely on
donations for its blood supply, to pull such a bone headed manoeuvre.
I, for one, will have to seriously consider whether I want to lose the use
of my arm for a week every three months in order to donate :-(.
Rob.
-- 
Robert A. Osborne                  ...uunet!mnetor!lsuc!isgtec!robert
(Nice sig Bruce mind if I steal it :-)    ...utzoo!lsuc!isgtec!robert
ISG Technologies Inc. 3030 Orlando Dr. Mississauga. Ont. Can. L4V 1S8

userDJMA@ualtamts.BITNET (Douglas James Martin) (09/19/89)

In article <142@isgtec.UUCP>, robert@isgtec.UUCP (Robert Osborne) writes:
>I went to donate blood on Friday and discovered that the Red Cross has
>switched manufacturers of their needles. ...
>
>What I want to know is what prompted the Red Cross, ...
 
A mistake? My guess would be that they found a cheaper supplier
not realizing that they were duller (larger guage maybe?) needles.
DID you fill in the comment card? They want blood so badly half
the time that I'm quite sure that a negative reaction from any
significant percentage of donors would have a major impact. Instead
of refusing to give blood again, why don't you phone them in
3 months and see if they've changed back (or changed to something
better)??
 
Douglas Martin
Printing Services
University of Alberta