'I want to go home': 13-year-old Phelicity Sneesby's dying wish

Phelicity Sneesby, 13, of Ballina, who has a congenital heart defect.

"She knows she is probably coming home to die. For you and I, home is where we go every day. For someone like Phelicity, it is a special treat. As a kid who has spent most of her life in hospitals, home is a special place."

How flu infected mice could mean end of blood transfusions

Researchers at University of Virginia School of Medicine find that mice injected with flu virus began producing large amounts of red blood cells, in development that could remove need for blood transfusions

Scientists have discovered an antibody that forces the body to keep producing unlimited blood, in a development that could remove the need for blood transfusions.

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine found that mice who were injected with the flu virus began producing large amounts of red blood cells.

They now say this could represent a significant step forward in the battle against anaemia and help people suffering from diabetes, kidney disease or cancer.

Scientists say that with further development the discovery could lead to doctors being able to turn on red blood cell production in humans whenever necessary.

This could see the technique used to treat people who cannot receive a blood transfusion because of their religious beliefs, such as Jehovah's Witnesses.

“A hospital that is into bloodless medicine is on the cutting edge”

05/05/15
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- More than 1,000 attended NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital's forum on bloodless medicine at Beckwithe Pointe in New Rochelle on Saturday.
Nine physicians and surgeons talked about the ways surgeries and other medical procedures are carried out without the need forblood transfusions. Those included minimally invasive “keyhole” surgeries, robotic surgeries and other methods.

Many of those in attendance were Jehovah’s Witnesses, who avoid blood transfusions as a religious matter.

Yonkers resident Joi Powell said that, as a Jehovah’s Witness, she was happy to know the NYP/Lawrence program – one of three bloodless medicine centers in the tri-state area – was nearby in Bronxville.“It’s a comfort to know that it’s there,” she said.