Home blood transfusion: a necessary service development.

An alternative to the transfusion of blood and platelets in hospital was assessed with the aim of reducing the demand on acute services and the need for hospital admission. Patients and general practitioners [GPs] were surveyed before a home blood transfusion service was set up. The majority of GPs and patients did not support the scheme initially. After the service was set up, all patients who received home transfusion stated that this was more convenient. We feel that by avoiding unnecessary emergency admissions, which account for up to 40% of all admissions to NHS hospitals, and improving the capacity of our day unit, we are providing a better service for local patients. More widespread use of home transfusion services should be encouraged.