Therapeutic Venesection Service Opens Doors To First Patients At Palmerston North Donor Centre

The new Therapeutic Venesection Service at the Palmerston North Donor Centre is now officially open, and early patient feedback is overwhelmingly positive. 

One of the first to use the service was local resident Neil, who has haemochromatosis, a genetic condition where the body absorbs too much iron. To manage his iron levels, Neil requires therapeutic venesection every three months.

Neil says his first appointment at the donor centre was “a really positive and welcoming experience.”

“I’ve needed to undergo blood removal treatment regularly for nearly five years at Palmerston North Hospital, and I’ve always been treated well, but this was different,” he says. “It’s lighter, calmer, and I just felt more comfortable. The team was fantastic, and I even got a cup of tea and biscuits. I’m actually looking forward to coming back for my next appointment, which is already booked for February.”

Therapeutic venesection is a medical procedure where a controlled amount of blood is removed from the body, similar to a standard blood donation. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as haemochromatosis, which can be harmful if not regularly managed. Until now, patients like Neil received treatment through the Haematology and Oncology Day Stay Unit at Palmerston North Hospital.

Therapeutic Venesection Nurse Specialist Sam Hutton says moving the service into the donor centre gives patients a more suitable, less clinical environment while freeing up hospital capacity.

“Many therapeutic venesection patients are fit and well; they don’t require acute care,” she says. “Providing treatment at the donor centre creates a more relaxed space for them and helps ease pressure on critical hospital resources.”

Because the donor centre is designed for blood collection, there are additional community benefits too. When clinically appropriate, the blood removed during therapeutic venesection can now be donated, just like a whole blood donation.

“At the hospital, that wasn’t possible, which means the blood had to be discarded,” Ms Hutton explains. “By offering the service here, we’re able to use some of that blood to help patients around the country. Nationally, NZBS can use blood from around half of the therapeutic venesection patients we treat across other donor centres.

The Palmerston North Donor Centre is initially providing therapeutic venesection to existing patients with haemochromatosis in the region, averaging around 10 treatments per week. This number is expected to increase over time.

The opening follows extensive preparation, including specialised training for five Palmerston North nurses and close collaboration with Health New Zealand, GPs, and hospital staff to ensure a smooth transition.

Hutton says seeing the first patients come through has been especially rewarding.

“Knowing that people like Neil are already experiencing the benefits, and that some of that blood will go on to help others, really highlights why this service matters,” she says.

About New Zealand Blood Service

New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) is a Crown entity and the sole organisation responsible for the collection, processing, testing and storage and distribution of all blood and blood products in New Zealand.

NZBS relies on voluntary and non-remunerated blood donations from individuals around the country to provide a constant supply of precious blood and blood products used by health services to help thousands of patients.

NZBS also provides cell and tissue products and related services to meet public health needs and maintains national oversight of organ donation and distribution. 

Download the NZ Blood Service Donor App, visit www.nzblood.co.nz or call 0800 448 325 to book an appointment to donate.

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