Manchester Central: a transfusion science meeting place

The venue for the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) 27th Annual Scientific Meeting was Manchester Central, situated on the site of St Peter’s Field, the city’s original 19th-century meeting place. Central Station was opened on this site in July 1880 and operated for almost 90 years before becoming surplus to requirements. As a Grade II listed building, it was eventually converted to the exhibition space known as the Greater Manchester Exhibition and Event Centre (GMEX) in 1986, but it recently reverted to its original name – Manchester Central.

This historical part of the city centre is now home to Manchester’s modern gathering place and offered BBTS delegates a dynamic city centre venue, complete with legendary Mancunian friendliness and a guaranteed enthusiastic welcome. Held over three days in September, the BBTS 2009 meeting provided an invigorating mix of topics ranging from the latest research in the blood centres to practical bedside transfusion and its complications. On this third visit to Manchester, BBTS President Geoff Daniels promised delegates “a full and exciting conference with something of interest for everyone with an interest in transfusion” and presentations by experts in their fields.

The scientific programme included dedicated Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions comprising lectures on genetic testing, stem cells, paediatric and neonatal transfusion and massive blood loss, as well as a heated debate on the use of special blood components. Plenary sessions included managing the blood supply in the developed and the less-developed world, transfusion policies in major trauma in civilian and military arenas, plus problems posed by transplantation and malaria.