Blood transfusions — Canterbury
Canterbury has a community-based service for the administration of intravenous infusions. It is provided by registered nurses with medical support at Burwood Hospital and Christchurch Hospital.
Contact us
To contact the Burwood infusion service at Burwood Hospital:
- phone: 03 383 6840 (extension 99928)
- email: BurwoodInfusionService@cdhb.health.nz
To contact the haematology day ward at Christchurch Hospital:
- phone 03 364 0660
Where to find us
The Burwood infusion suite at Burwood Hospital is located at:
Level 1
Burwood Hospital
300 Burwood Road
Christchurch
Opening hours: 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
The haematology day ward at Christchurch Hospital is located at:
Level 6
Christchurch Hospital
Riccarton Avenue
Christchurch
Services we provide
Blood transfusions
A blood transfusion is when you are given blood or blood components from donors.
Most transfusions are needed to treat people with moderate to severe anaemia. In these people, their anaemia is likely to be causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, deep fatigue or chest pain.
Blood transfusions are also used to treat blood loss caused by injuries or surgery. There are also several less common uses for blood components.
Before you have the transfusion, you will need to have a blood test. This is to make sure you are given blood that matches your blood type. You will need to have your blood test within 48 hours of your transfusion. Your healthcare provider will give you a form to get your blood test done at a testing laboratory.
You are given the blood through a tube that is inserted into your vein using a needle. It takes 2 to 3 hours for each unit of blood to go into your body. The doctor will tell you how many units you need.
It is a good idea to have a whānau member come with you to your appointment, especially if you need help. You should take your usual prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Risks and complications
Blood transfusions are very safe. If your healthcare provider recommends that you have one, it is most likely that the benefits outweigh any risks. Not having a transfusion could lead to serious health complications. In some cases, death.
There is a 1% to 2% chance of a minor allergic reaction. This can include a mild fever or skin rash.
A major allergic reaction is rare and happens in around one in 100,000 transfusions. If this happens, it is serious and needs to be treated in hospital. It can cause kidney damage and breathing difficulties.
There is a risk that the blood transfusion may not relieve all your symptoms.
The risk of getting an infection from donated blood is low in New Zealand.
Your healthcare provider may want to see you to check your symptoms. They may also want to repeat a blood test to see if your anaemia has improved.
If you start to feel unwell after your transfusion, seek medical attention immediately. Especially if you have symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath
- high fever
- chest pain.
It is possible to have your own blood collected so you can use it for non-urgent operations. But there is a charge for this, and it has limited benefits. It is only suitable for people who are healthy, so people with anaemia cannot do this.
Blood donations from family members are not any safer than blood from other donors. The NZ Blood Service discourages this option.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment.
- Dress comfortably and warmly. Wear loose layers and jerseys with easy access to elbow and wrist.
- Bring any special comfort requirements you use at home, such as a back-support pillow.
- Bring something to do – a book to read, music (with earphones) or a mobile device.
- For longer appointments, bring snacks or a light lunch. Tea, coffee and water are supplied.
- Feel free to bring a support person.
Referral information
Your healthcare provider will check if you are able to have your transfusion at the Burwood infusion service. They will then refer you to the service. The service will contact you with an appointment time.
Your healthcare provider will also discuss the treatment with you. They will ask you to sign a consent form to show that you understand the risks and benefits of the treatment.
Some people will need to go to Christchurch Hospital for blood transfusions. These people will have their blood transfusions at the haematology day ward.