A new purpose-built blood bank has opened at Wellington Regional Hospital, providing more space for specialist testing and helping meet growing demand across the region.
The New Zealand Blood Service facility is more than three times larger than the previous blood bank and has been designed to improve resilience and allow for future expansion.
Health Minister Simeon Brown officially opened the facility alongside representatives from the Blood Service, Health New Zealand and invited guests.
The Wellington Blood Bank operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides specialist testing and manages blood and blood products for patients throughout the Greater Wellington region.
New Zealand Blood Service chief executive Sam Cliffe said demand for specialist testing and transfusion support had grown significantly since the blood bank was established at the hospital more than 45 years ago.
“Most people never see the work that happens inside a blood bank, but it is a critical part of modern healthcare,” Cliffe said.
“Behind every transfusion is a team of highly skilled professionals working around the clock to make sure patients receive the right blood products when they need them most.”
The new laboratory includes space for additional testing capability, including a second blood analyser, as well as increased refrigerated storage to help maintain services during periods of high demand or disruption.
The blood bank’s 15 staff, including 13 scientists, carry out about 40,000 tests each year.
Their work includes storing and managing donated blood, carrying out compatibility testing before transfusions and providing specialised testing for services such as kidney transplantation.
Cliffe said the larger facility would also support workforce growth and allow the Blood Service to resume practical laboratory training for pathology professionals from across the Pacific through the Pacific Pathology Training Centre.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley interim group director of operations Michelle Sutherland said the blood bank was an essential part of patient care at Wellington Regional Hospital.
“Having this purpose-built facility on site strengthens our ability to deliver timely, safe and high-quality care for patients who need blood transfusions and other specialist services,” Sutherland said.
“We’re proud to continue our close partnership with New Zealand Blood Service to support the health needs of our communities now and into the future.”
