Innovative blood bank opens

The Anthony Nolan Trust Cord Blood Bank at Nottingham Trent University will store stem cells from the blood of newborn' umbilical cords to help patients awaiting vital transplants.

Cord blood is crucial to patient care, as it has been shown to be successful in renewing bone marrow and regenerating the immune systems of people with conditions such as leukaemia, sickle-cell diseases and immune deficiencies.

The work of the Anthony Nolan Trust is already acclaimed worldwide, and the impact of the events here today will be felt globally

Alan Johnson

Health Secretary

It is hoped around 50,000 cord blood samples will be banked at the centre by 2013 in order to provide transplant matches for almost all patients, with mothers giving birth at London's King’s College Hospital being the first able to donate.

Of the anticipated 50,000 donations, 20,000 will be used in transplants, with the remaining 30,000 used in groundbreaking research activities.

Mr Johnson commented: "The work of the Anthony Nolan Trust is already acclaimed worldwide, and the impact of the events here today will be felt globally.”

"The complex will provide a lifeline for thousands, a goldmine for researchers; and reinforce the UK's role as a centre of excellence" he added.

According to the charity, the Anthony Nolan Trust's Research Institute is currently engaged in a range of projects to study to improve the care that bone marrow transplant patients receive and to bring laboratory developments into a clinical setting.