BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24913, 28 June 1946, Page 5

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

DEMONSTRATION TO JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A demonstration and explanation of the ease with which blood could be taken from a donor was given by Dr. D. T. Stewart, medical officer in char; ? of the intravenous blood department at the Christchurch Public Hospital at a luncheon yesterday arranged by the Canterbury Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Junior Chamber recently formed a blood donors’ group, and the function was held to foster interest in the work among members of the chamber.

About three-quarters of a pint of blood was taken from a member of the chamber by Dr. Stewart, who said that the fluid taken was replaced in about 24 hours, and no ill-effects were felt.

There was always a need of donors, said Dr. L. C. L. Averill, president of the Blood Transfusion Service in Canterbury. who was a guest of honour. Patients in hospitals, whose blood was below par Were given transfusions before they underwent operations, and transfusions were also given in cases of severe hSemmorhage.

“We have only to have a major tragedy, and all the blood we have will be used overnight,” said Dr. Averill. Therefore if the Junior Chamber could help to set the public's mind at rest that there was nothing serious in giving a pint of blood, it would be doing the community a great service. The other guests of honour ere the Rev. F.ither Fisher, senior commercial master at St. College, and Commander C. H. Kersley. secretary of the transfusion service.