BLOOD TRANSFUSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 10908, 28 May 1929, Page 5

BLOOD TRANSFUSION.

WOAIAN’S DEATH

FIRST CASE AT THE LONDON

HOSPITAL

The first- ease on record at the London) Hospital of a patient dying as the result of blood transfusion was investigated by Dr. R-. Guthrie, the East London Coroner, when he held an inquest on Ellen Webster (29), of Union Street, Stratford, who for ’months had suffered from anaemia.

Dr. A. E. C, Kennedy, assistant physician at the- hospital, said that the woman came under his care in June for anaemia. Her blood was 50 per cent below normal, and she was" treated with .iron, witohut effect. Hei therefore advised a blood transfusion. She* died a week Inter from infraction of the kidneys. Dr. Kennedy said this was the usual treatment . The Coroner: Is it in an experimental stage ? Lr. Kennedy: I think blood transfusions arc very definitely past the experimental stage. Have- you ever had a fatal case from blood transfusion?—No. Would tlie woman have been alive to-day had the. blood transfusion not taken place?—Yes. The Coroner, recording a verdict of “Death by misadventure.'’ said: “Blood transfusions are given in hundreds of cases, and we- all know from our. own experience that a blood transfusion in. itself is a very harmless operation. I have never Heard of a case of death-' from blood transfusion.” ' -