BLOOD SERVICE FACILITIES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 15

BLOOD SERVICE FACILITIES

Improvement Held Urgent An urgent and serious need for better facilities for blood donors in Christchurch had developed because of increased public interest over a number of years in the North Canterbury Transfusion Service, said the secrSTary oUTFTr^rvfce, Mr T. W. Smith, at the annual meeting last night. “We have the donors, but we have nowhere to bleed them. When we have a blaze of publicity many persons realise the importance of blood transfusions, and they flock to the Christchurch Hospital. Because of this, the staff finds itself unable to cope with the increase under existing conditions,’’ said Mr Smith. “Christchurch is in a very poor position for facilities of this nature,’’ he said. Sketch Plan Commenting on this, the retiring president (Mr V. C. Lawn) said he had recently seen a sketch plan of proposed improvements to the blood bank and transfusion buildings, and he hoped that the new Hospital Board would not be slow in beginning this building. Certificates were presented to donors who had made more than 40 donations over a number of years. Later, said Mr Smith, certificates would be presented after 10, 20, 30 and 40 donations had been given. Donors at the meeting—more than 150 persons were present—were thanked by the chairman for their past service. Officers elected were:— President, Dr. L. C. L. Averill; chairman, Dr. R. C. S. Dick; committee, Dr. T. Morton, Dr. D. T. Stewart, and Dr. F. W. Gunz (Christchurch Hospital), Dr. L. Cdfdery, and Dr. C. J. J. Morkane (8.M.A.), Mr H. E. H. Denham and Dr. R. C. S. Dick (medical visiting staff), Mr C. L. Rhodes (St. John Order), Mrs D. J. Wales (Red Cross Society), Mr H. E. Perry (Christchurch Rotary Club), Mr K. Saddler (Junior Chamber of Commerce), Miss A. McJannet and Mr L. J. Tointon (voluntary donors); secretarytreasurer, Mr T. W. Smith; auditor, Mr P. C. Browne.