Health Canada suspends Grifols plasma collection in Winnipeg

Health Canada has suspended all plasma collections at a Grifols clinic on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg due to compliance concerns. The suspension follows an investigation into the deaths of two donors at separate Grifols locations in the city earlier this year. While Health Canada found no link between those deaths and the plasma collection process, the agency determined that the Taylor Avenue site failed to improve clinic practices as directed.

Grifols, a Spanish-based company, stated that donor and patient safety was not compromised. The company noted that it had previously voluntarily suspended operations at its Winnipeg sites last month. Grifols also indicated that its ability to direct operations at the Taylor Avenue location had been limited by previous governance and contractual arrangements, though it recently acquired full ownership of the centre.

The company is currently working with Health Canada on a reopening plan, which includes staff retraining and the implementation of corrective and preventive measures to ensure ongoing compliance.