BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 20 August 1937, Page 9

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

NATIONAL SERVICE. ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCH. The establishment of a branch of the National Blood Transfusion Service in Palmerston North was decided upon at a meeting held last evening, when Dr. P. P. Lynch, chairman of the National Council, and Mr C. Meachen. founder and lion, secretary, both or Wellington, delivered addresses. There was a small attendance, over which Mr W. B. Tennent presided in the absence through indisposition of the Mayor (Mr A*. E. Mansford). The visiting speakers outlined the operation of tho scheme and, despite the small number present, a great deal of enthusiasm was evident.

Dr. Lynch said it was not generally realised how important a place the service filled, though attention had been directed to it during the War. There were indications that the uses of transfusion would expand. A healthy and suitable donor was required; he must not be temperamental, must have large veins, and possess blood of a suitable group. Individuals could be divided into four groups of blood state, representing types and describable by letters or numbers. It was important to have donors adequately classified for suitability, both for obtaining the correct blood and a rapid service. In general practice members of a transfusion service were called upon only in an emergency, and usually only after the blood of a patient’s

relatives had proved unsatisfactory. In some countries a paid service of professional donors was in operation, but a voluntary service was preferred b,> the speaker. In Wellington ten years ago, said Dr. Lynch, a group of Hover Scouts, in co-operation with the medical profession, had formed a service and today there were 250 members of a properly constituted service. Last year 200 calls had been received and this year even more were expected. In different centres varying methods had operated and it had been felt that uniformity should exist throughout the Dominion. A conference in June at AVellington had been an enthusiastic success and very important conclusions were reached, including tlie formation of a National Blood Transfusion Council. It only remained to affiliate with that council the branches throughout New Zealand, thus ensuring uniformity of administration. A transfusion service depended on the calibre and character of the donors, co-operation between the medical men and the donors being essential. An important feature was the voluntary and anonymous nature of the service,

the identities of the patient and donor not being disclosed. Only a person conformable to such high ideals was desirable. In this regard the St. John Ambulance Association had rendered splendid service. Mr Meachen said the proposal to establish a service in the Manawatu did not mean any duplication, or an increased cost to the taxpayer. No application was made to donors unless relatives of a suitable blood group were not available; only qualified surgeons could perform the operation, and then only by the needle method. The Public Service Commissioner and the heads of various departments had recognised the scheme and leave of absence was granted to donors from their employment. People of all walks of life irom 20 years of age to over 70 were members. In Wellington tlTe Hospital Board made a small grant to cover out-of-pocket expenses, and in the past five years with GOO transfusions the service had operated excellently.

In reply to a question as to whether an insurance policy was in operation at Wellington, Mr Meachen stated that donors were regarded as patients while in the hospital building.

The meeting decided that a branch of the service be formed in Palmerston North. Mr J. H. North, superintendent of the Palmerston* North Hospital, expressed pleasure that an organised service was proposed for the city. Mr A. J. Phillipps, secretary of the Hospital Board, stated that the hoard had recently decided to make a grant in the event of the service being established in Palmerston North. Mr J. A. Nash, chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, was elected president of the branch and Mr North, Dr. T. H. Pullar, Dr. P. T. Putnam, Dr. I. S. Wilson and Mr D. Mitchell were appointed the committee. Mr Iv. G. Chamberlain is secretary-treasurer.