Press Release

First collection centre in Scotland opens for unrelated blood stem cell donors

Blood cancer charity DKMS and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service partner to bring accessibility and awareness to Scotland.

11/07/2023

London and Edinburgh, 11 July 2023. DKMS, the global non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, announces its partnership with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) to open the first collection centre for unrelated blood stem cell donors in Scotland. This landmark initiative will significantly enhance the availability and accessibility of life-saving blood stem cell transplants for patients in Scotland and beyond.

The partnership between DKMS and SNBTS marks a crucial milestone in the battle against blood cancer, ensuring that patients in Scotland have a better chance of finding a matching blood stem cell donor. By establishing the new collection centre, DKMS and SNBTS aim to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a registered blood stem cell donor and encourage more people to join the donor registry.

Searching for a match

Blood stem cell transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients suffering from blood cancers and other blood disorders. For many patients, the step of finding a matching donor can be a challenging and time-sensitive process. The collaboration between DKMS and SNBTS will help alleviate many obstacles by providing the first dedicated facility for collecting blood stem cells from unrelated donors in the country, increasing the chances of finding a suitable match for patients in need.

“We are delighted to be working with SNBTS. This initiative will support more donors being able to donate their stem cells in Scotland, reducing the barriers of extensive travel and time off work. This collaboration will give more people with blood cancer and blood disorders a second chance at life”. says Helen Kelly, Head of Projects and Operations at DKMS.

State-of-the-art-facility

The collection centre is staffed by trained professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for donors.

“There is a clearly defined need for this important facility to open in Scotland. As the expert in blood, platelet, plasma and cell collection, SNBTS has transferrable expertise to support the collection of stem cells from unrelated donors,” said Dr Lynn Manson, SNBTS Clinical Lead for Therapeutic Apheresis Services at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. “An Edinburgh facility will reduce the travel time required for donors and help to ensure stem cell donations are available when needed. We are pleased to have been involved in this important project, and I’d like to thank all staff and donors involved.”

Expanding the donor pool

The collection centre aims to be able to support all Scottish donors, allowing around 100 donors a year to be assessed and their donations collected locally. DKMS’s goal, with the support of SNBTS, is to provide a matching donor for every patient in need of a blood stem cell transplant. To achieve this, DKMS actively engages with the public, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a blood stem cell donor and encourage eligible individuals to register. By expanding the donor pool, this initiative aims to improve the odds of finding a matching donor for every patient in Scotland and beyond.

ENDS

About DKMS

DKMS is one of the most significant non-profit organisations in the world dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. Founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr Peter Harf, DKMS and the organisation’s over 1,000 employees have since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With 11.5 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this 105,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need.

This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organisation has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, and South Africa. In India, DKMS has founded the joint venture DKMS-BMST together with the Bangalore Medical Services Trust. International expansion and collaboration are key to helping patients worldwide because like the organisation itself, blood cancer knows no borders. DKMS is also heavily involved in the fields of medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving the survival and recovery rate of patients.

About the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS)

SNBTS is a directorate of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS).

SNBTS provide blood, tissues, and cells to NHS Scotland, ensuring they’re available countrywide, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We also provide specialist treatment and therapeutic solutions to Scotland’s patients, as well as specialist testing and diagnostic services to ensure that all Scottish patients receive the most appropriate products for their needs.

SNBTS work to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy in blood transfusion and transplantation, supporting patient care and the Scottish healthcare system. For more information, visit www.scotblood.co.uk.