BLOOD TRANSFUSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21423, 22 February 1933, Page 12

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL VOLUNTARY DONORS' SYSTEM ESTABLISHMENT DISCUSSED The possibility of establishing a service of voluntary blood donors in Auckland for cases of blood transfusion was discussed by the Hospital Board yesterday. A letter was received from the Wellington Blood Transfusion Service, an association of voluntary blood donors to the Wellington hospitals, stating that it was hoped to establish services in other centres and enclosing a copy of the annual report. The report stated that during the year ended January 31, 1933, there had been 35 calls for donors of blood. Donors had been arranged into groups according to the diseases for treatment by blood transfusion. The effect of the transfusion on donors was either negligible or beneficial, as loss of blood was a stimulant in itself. The service allowed at least three months between each call to any one donor, which gave an ample margin of safety. A day and night telephone sorvice was maintained and donors were always available, provided the operation was carried out by a skilled surgeon. The service raised its own funds and the blood donors acted in a purely honorary capacity. The cost of the service during the year had been met by public subscriptions and a grant of ,£5 5a from the Wellington Hospital Board. Sevex*al members held that a similar service would be of great value in Auckland. The chairman, Mr. W. Wal' ace > said there had been 79 blood transfusions at the' hospital during the last 10 months and payment had been made up to £2 2s in each case. It was decided to refer the matter to the Finance Committee for a report.