Janet Chevalier
Today’s #MondayMotivation inspires us to empower others.
Janet Chevalier, Guelph General’s Patient Blood Management Coordinator, aims to empower each patient she works with, giving them the tools, knowledge and encouragement they need to take control of their own health.
In her role, Janet works with patients who are preparing for surgery. She specifically helps them optimize their blood levels through a number of possible strategies including diet, vitamin supplementation, iron supplementation and sometimes medications where necessary.
Having optimal blood levels prior to surgery is important because it helps to avoid the need for blood transfusions due to blood loss during surgery. This results in many patient benefits:
- Not exposing patients to the risks associated with blood transfusions
- Patients do better in surgery and afterwards when blood counts are optimal
- Quicker recovery times and less time in the Hospital post-surgery
An added benefit is not using scarce blood resources, preserving it for other patients in need.
Janet is a part of a very dedicated team of health care providers who care for this group of patients. Through their team effort, they work to achieve an exceptionally low incidence of blood transfusions during surgery. For example, last year GGH performed close to 600 joint replacement surgeries, including 239 hip surgeries and 339 knee surgeries. Only one knee surgery and five hip surgeries required the patient to have a blood transfusion.
“I love the people I get to meet and work with” said Janet about what she enjoys most about her role.
She also gets the sense that patients appreciate the personal time and attention Janet gives to them in helping them take control of their own health as they prepare for surgery.
