Hi everyone!

Apparently C&W are not collaborative with the collection of stem cells, or so I have read in a newspaper. I am booked to give birth there and I would like to collect the stem cells. I will ask in my next appointment but I would like to be prepared for it and have mums information and feedback too. Does anyone know whether they are a bit reluctant to do it but they collect them nonetheless, or whether they refuse full stop? Has anyone had any personal experience and if so can they advise?

Thank you.

M

I looked into Virgin blood bank and this is what it says about this issue

The Human Tissue Authority (HTA), the government body that licences companies which store human tissue in the UK, recommend that only appropriately qualified people (such as midwives, nurses, phlebotomists or doctors) may do the collection. If the person doesn’t fit this description, we can't process or store the umbilical cord blood unit. Not all maternity units have the same view about cord blood collection. If you're concerned, or are having problems arranging the collection of your baby’s cord blood call us and will do our best to assist you.

I don't know if you would consider changing Hospitals but St Georges Hospital in Tooting have just opened a new NHS cord blood collection centre.

Thanks moops,

I am sticking to C&W for convenience. I will post how I sort this out- if I sort it out.

M

Virgin gave me a list of phlebotomists they have worked before with and he came to the hospital for the collection. It all worked well for the collection in the end but at an extra cost.