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Tissue Bank Open Day 2003 |
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The Open Day took place at the Charing Cross Campus of Imperial College on March 28th, 2003. Its aim was to explain how the Tissue Bank is run and give insight into some of the research that depends on it, along with a chance to see the laboratory facilities. Despite a train strike, approximately 70 people attended, including PDS members, registered prospective donors, relatives of donors and those simply interested in finding out more. Linda Kelly, Chief Executive PDS, gave the welcome address and stressed the importance of the Tissue Bank and research at Imperial. This was followed by a talk by Dr Dexter on the aims of Parkinson's research and why human tissue is so vital for its progression. He also described the donation procedure and what is involved for a prospective donor and their family. Dr Linda Moran then outlined some of the research being carried out in Professor Graeber's group using tissue from the Bank.
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Everyone was then given a chance to tour the Tissue Bank laboratories and see sections of brain tissue down the microscope. Professor Graeber was at hand to explain what they were seeing and its importance in Parkinson's (see above). Other groups were given information by Dr Goldring on the tissue that has been donated to the Tissue Bank to date, as well as the statistics of prospective donors registered with the Tissue Bank. Following the event, we received a number of new prospective donor registrations. Many of the people that came along expressed how much they had enjoyed the day and said that they found it very informative. For those who were unable to attend this year, we are planning to make this an annual event. Dr Kirstin Goldring, Tissue Bank Manager |
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How your Relatives can help us get the most out of your Donation! |
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Researchers are using some of the most up-to-date techniques to solve Parkinson's. For this, the Tissue Bank needs to supply them with the highest quality brain tissue we can. This means we must collect, process and freeze the tissue as soon after the death of a donor as possible (24 hours being ideal). Once a donor has died there is a complex series of events that the Tissue Bank must organise and carry out. These include: liaising with the family regarding the donation of the tissue, finding a local hospital that is willing to help remove the tissue, transportation of the donor to this hospital with the help of the funeral directors, sending a member of the Tissue Bank team out to collect the tissue, and processing and freezing of the brain tissue on its arrival at our facility. All of these steps take time not only to arrange but also to carry out. Rapid tissue retrieval provides material suitable for the most research requirements and hence has maximum impact in fighting Parkinson's. We are honoured to be able to carry out your last wishes and appreciate that it is a very sensitive time for your family when they are dealing with loss. However, they can help the Tissue Bank tremendously to get the most out of your donation. |
They could notify us before you die, if you are gravely ill, and then we can set up many arrangements in advance dramatically saving time in tissue retrieval. Alternately, if your next-of-kin or the health workers looking after you could let us know immediately that you have died we can also act very quickly. To assist with this, the Tissue Bank can issue duplicate donor cards to your next-of-kin or your health worker so that they have your donor details and our emergency contact number close at hand. We send copies of your and your next-of-kin's consent forms for your tissue donation to your GP to put with your records, but can also issue further copies should you go into hospital or nursing home so they are also fully aware of your wishes. Please share this newsletter with your family and heath worker so they know why it is important to process your donation quickly. It also keeps them informed of what research the tissue is being used for. If you have any questions or require further copies of donorcards/newsletter etc do not hesitate to contact us. Our 24 hour bleep number for emergencies is: 07659-10-45-37 (this number can be found on your donor card). All other enquiries: 0208 383 4917. Dr David Dexter, Scientific Director |
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