University of Dundee medical students will today (Wednesday 1 October) hold a bone marrow clinic giving students the opportunity to register as donors and potentially save a life.
The Dundee MARROW group, the local student branch of the Anthony Nolan Trust (ANT) co-ordinated by fourth year medical student Joy Rafferty, will be held on the Ground Floor of the Tower Building from 2pm to 5pm.
Students can come along to the clinic to register or simply to learn a bit more about what is involved. Those who wish to register will speak with a trained MARROW counsellor first to ensure that they are physically fit and that they understand the commitment they are making by joining the register. The volunteer then gives a small blood sample which is then sent to the ANT to be added to the register.
MARROW group co-ordinator Joy Rafferty said, "This is a great opportunity for students to come along and find out more about the bone marrow donor scheme. This is a very simple way of potentially saving a life and we’re expecting record numbers to turn up."
The University MARROW Group is part of a network of MARROW groups run by medical students in universities across the UK. They work with the ANT to recruit students as potential donors. Since forming 18 months ago, the University of Dundee group has recruited over 100 students.
Dr David Bowen of the University’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, said, "Only about 25% of patients considered for bone marrow transplantation have a related donor. Therefore the majority who require this treatment depend on the availability of unrelated donors. It is crucial that as many people as possible register as a donor."
Blood stem cell or bone marrow transplants may be used to treat a wide range of conditions including leukaemias, congenital metabolic disorders and immuno-deficiency illnesses.
Interested students should initially report to Room G12, Ground floor, Tower Building.
Editor’s notes
The ANT continually needs donors to help patients suffering from diseases which can only be helped by a bone marrow transplant. To find out how to join the Register call the ANT hotline on 0901 88 22 234 or visit www.anthonynolan.org.uk
Bone marrow, found in the centre of all large bones, is the ‘factory’ where new blood cells are made. Without it our bodies would be unable to produce the white cells needed to fight infection or the red cells needed to carry oxygen and remove waste products from organs and tissues. Absence of healthy bone marrow also prevents the production of platelets which help blood to clot and stop bleeding.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768 e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk