MODERN BLOOD RESEARCH

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28178, 17 January 1957, Page 3

MODERN BLOOD RESEARCH

OBSERVATIONS IN UNITED STATES

New techniques and new equipment for the treatment of diseases of the blood and for blood transfusion, seen by Dr. F. W. Gunz in the United States, are likely to be introduced in the new Cashmere Hospital and at the Christchurch Hospital as new buildings and reorganisation make facilities available.

Dr. Gunz, who is hematologist at the Christchurch Hospital, has been on leave for a year to study modern developments in his field and he hopes to have his report ready for the next meeting of the North Canterbury Hospital Board so that early policy decisions can be made. Most of the observations made by Dr. Gunz were at the New England Central Hospital, Boston, where the blood research laboratory is one of the greatest in the world. Cases from all parts of the United States and many overseas countries are referred to his hospital and a New Zealander had been sent there shortly before Dr. Gunz’s visit. There was some outstanding research on leukaemia. Some of the new equipment seen in operation by Dr. Gunz has already been ordered for the Cashmere Hospital. Notable among this is improved apparatus for the preparation of blood for transfusions. Other new developments, which it is hoped to introduce in Christchurch in the next few years, include fresh methods of using radioactive isotopes in tracing blood disorders. Dr. Gunz said that .he was fortunate that his visit coincided with numerous conferences on hematology and pathology and he was able to hear directly of the recent work of leading American specialists. Dr. Gunz was also invited to contribute papers. Outstanding among these meetings was the sixth International Congress of Hematologists attended by 1500 delegates at Boston.