New investment in NHS stem cell services announced

A fresh injection of funding for NHS stem cell services has been announced that will help to increase the supply of stem cell donations to patients in need of a transplant.

The four million pound injection will go to NHS Blood and Transplant – the body which manages the national voluntary donation system for blood, tissues, organs and stem cells – as well as the charity organisation Anthony Nolan.

It takes the government's total investment in this field since 2011 to 12 million pounds, thus helping to maintain cord blood collection services and enhancing the current register of young adult donors.

Public health minister Anna Soubry estimated that this latest contribution will save up to 200 lives in the UK.

She added: "It will help patients with conditions like cancer and lymphoma who are among the most vulnerable in the NHS."

Last summer, the Department of Health organised a major drive to increase stem cell and organ donations across Britain, a campaign fronted by celebrities such as Alesha Dixon and David Harewood.