Forest Park Hospital recognizes the right of each adult patient to make choices about his or her healthcare. At the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery, specialized services are provided to meet the many diverse needs of patients who choose to abstain from blood or blood products.

Bloodless means that medical and/or surgical treatment is provided without the use of banked (stored) allogenic blood or primary blood components. Blood loss often occurs during surgery, potentially resulting in the need for a blood transfusion. A bloodless program endeavors to minimize blood loss by utilizing special blood conservation methods.

In our culturally diverse society, there are many reasons patients may choose bloodless medical or surgical care. Some individuals, like Jehovah’s Witnesses, have deeply held religious convictions that require abstinence from blood or blood products, while others may choose to avoid blood due to potentially associated health risks, such as hepatitis and AIDS.

Whatever your reason, we respect it, and are pleased to be able to offer our patients the medical and surgical care they desire.

For more information about the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Forest Park Hospital, please call toll free: 1-866-BLDLESS (253-5377).

ABOUT THE COORDINATOR

Todd Hofmeister, RN, Director of the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery, is from St. Louis and is an active member of the Jehovah’s Witness community. He serves as the on-site liaison for professionals and patients, helping them access the information and medical care they need. Todd is the first coordinator of the first Bloodless Medicine and Surgery hospital-based program in St. Louis.