Manitoba Renal Program is excited for the launch of Transplant Manitoba and Canadian Blood Services’ Highly Sensitized Patient (HSP) program that will have capacity to allocate kidneys for patients who are difficult to match with accuracy and efficiency that is unparalleled.
Until recently, such patients only had access to the limited number of donors in their region. These hard-to-match patients represent approximately 20% of provincial waitlists, yet receive less than 1% of available organs. By increasing access to a larger donor pool across Canada, the HSP program promises to improve the chances of a kidney transplant for these disadvantaged patients.
The implementation of this national initiative across Canada began in October 2013 and by November 2014 all provinces and territories had joined the HSP program. Manitoba was one of the first provinces on board.
“Manitoba has been a leader in organ transplantation for many years, and I am especially pleased that it was a Manitoban who received the first kidney transplant through the innovative and exciting HSP program,” said the Honourable Sharon Blady, Minister of Health of Manitoba. “Provincial and territorial governments turned to Canadian Blood Services to develop leading practices and programs that facilitate organ sharing across jurisdictions and, ultimately, improve organ donation and transplantation on a national level. The HSP program is a prime example of the innovation and sustainable progress that is possible when governments, the organ and tissue donation and transplantation community and Canadian Blood Services work together in the best interests of all patients.”
 
(Photo: Transplant Manitoba – Minister of Health Sharon Blady shares a few words with recipient Arnold after the program announcement.)