The Temiskaming Speaker published an article on October 11, 2023
By Sue Nielsen
The Temagami Family Health Team has announced it is now offering a new medical service to its patients.
The intravenous (IV) iron infusion procedure was performed for the very first time on a patient in the clinic on September 21.
An IV iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is delivered into the body via a needle.
"The patient did very well and was happy to have had the service available within her community of Temagami without the need for travel," said Temagami FHT executive director Ellen Ibey in an email message.
Prior to offering the new service, Ibey mentioned the team collaborated with The Temiskaming Hospital " who graciously provided training for the team's Registered Practical Nurse."
Ibey said physicians normally prescribe infusions to treat deficiency anemia.
It is also treated with dietary changes and iron supplements that are taken in pill form. She said in some cases doctors may recommend iron infusions instead.
Patients may require IV iron infusion if they cannot take iron by mouth, or cannot absorb iron through the gut. Other cicumstances include if blood loss is high and they cna;t absorb enough iron, or they need to increase their iron levels fast to avoid other medical complications or a blood transfusion.
Ibey says her team will be doing approximately 40-50 IV iron transfusions per year in Temagami.
"There are new pregnancy guidelines in terms of hemoglobin, which has resulted in an increased need for IV ion infusions. It is also important to note that our clinic has put safety protocols in place to make sure we can bring the safety standards of hospitals closer to home to our patients."
She said the Temagami clinic is equipped with full resuscitation equipment and has emergency medication available to use as part of their best practice emergency anaphylaxis and adverse effect protocol.
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NB- The photo's caption refers to Chantal Dinel among others. Chantal is an RN, not an NP.