St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., discontinued its transfusion-free medicine and surgery program amid financial pressures, The News Tribune reported April 24.
The service was discontinued April 14, the report said. According to a memo obtained by The News Tribune, Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle isn't affected. The network is also creating a new workflow as part of VMFH's overall blood management program.
The discontinued program provided community and educational resources for those who chose not to or can't receive transfusions, the report said. Patients can still opt out of transfusions and receive alternate treatments.
The hospital also ended its contract with Pacific Anesthesia, The News Tribune reported April 20.