§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to develop an autologous blood transfusion service. [3771]
Mr. HormanWe recognise the value of autologous transfusion for those patients for whom the procedures are applicable. In appropriate cases it can provide a useful supplement to the supply of blood for voluntary donors which the National Blood Service supplies to our hospitals. The medical profession is aware of autologus transfusion and advice is available from medical staff of the National Blood Service and hospital consultant haematologists. Selection of patients for this procedure has to be undertaken with extreme care to avoid any possible clinical risk to that patient.