Wirral University Teaching Hospital Joins Forces to Save Lives on World Blood Cancer Day

Staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital volunteered to become stem cell matches to help save lives as part of World Cancer Day.

A large-scale stem cell swabbing event was held by the Trust on 28 May, in collaboration with cancer charity DKMS and Tilbury Douglas, the contractors developing the new urgent and emergency care facility at Arrowe Park.

This initiative, held at Arrowe Park Hospital’s Patients Experience Hub, rallied Trust staff, patients, and visitors to have the swab to see if they match, potentially becoming lifesavers to those battling blood cancer.

“World Blood Cancer Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a call to action,” said Dr Nikki Stevenson, the Trust’s Executive Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive. “Every swab taken today represents hope—a chance to be someone's lifeline."  

Participants provided cheek cell samples, swabbed inside their mouths by volunteers working for Tilbury Douglas. These cells hold vital genetic information crucial for matching through DKMS’s international database. Registered individuals will be contacted later if identified as potential matches. DKMS then initiates the life-saving process.

Being on the registry signifies a commitment to potentially save a life. While there is no guarantee of donation requests, each registration amplifies optimism. Currently, 2,000 people in the UK seek their stem cell match. 

The initiative holds personal significance for Tilbury Douglas, as it directly impacted staff members’ lives through stem cell transplants. This underscores the importance of raising awareness about the crucial register.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with DKMS by bringing the mass swab event to Arrowe Park Hospital where Tilbury Douglas are delivering their new Urgent and Emergency Care Upgrade Programme,” said Martin Horne, Regional Director NW Tilbury Douglas. “Our colleagues have received stem cell transplants, and it saved their lives, emphasising why it is so important for us to raise the profile of this important register. Together, we can bring about positive change and give a second chance of survival to those in need.”