Plasma clinic opens in Hamilton despite council opposition

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says she’s disappointed that a private plasma collection centre has opened in the city’s east end.

The Spanish healthcare company Grifols opened a centre last month on Barton Street East, despite pushback from city councillors.

Last year, Hamilton city councillors voted against the opening of clinics that pay for plasma donations.

“Anything that preys on the most vulnerable in terms of using that as part of your business model is just unacceptable,” says Horwath.

The mayor added that she is disappointed the company went against the wishes of the council and opened up the clinic. She says there is nothing more that can be done about the issue at the city level.

The Voluntary Blood Donations Act bans the practice, however, an exemption is made for companies that have been contracted out to fulfill orders on the blood authority’s behalf.

Grifols told CHCH in a statement that over 300 plasma donations have been made since the clinic opened in March.

“We welcome new donors each day and are increasing available appointments weekly as we grow,” they said.

“Every unit of plasma collected in Hamilton is collected for the benefit of Canadians, including patients in the Hamilton community.”

Canadian Blood Services says the clinic will help increase the supply of medicine made from plasma and is operating under a national deal that controls where private centres can open.

READ MORE: Hamilton Council votes down private plasma collection centres