March 3rd Meeting

Sad news for the group is that Beverley has resigned as secretary, her contributions and bubbly personality were of real benefit to the group and we will miss her greatly.



The combined meeting with other groups attending to listen to the Haemair presentation was well attended.

The presentation was very interesting and demonstrated how a 'simple' device will, in the not too distant future, be able to oxygenate blood. It is very compact and doesn't use oxygen but simply air which is pumped through the device , due to pressure differentials oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. This increase in the oxygen level in the blood will relieve the pressure on the users lungs and will enable them to rest and recover rather than force them to work harder through mechanically supported breathing.

The first tests of the device will be in emergency medicine and conditions such as acute respiratory infections. This is currently planned to start within 16 months.

There will be other 'spin offs' which will be used in existing medical equipment so the overall progress from this research will impact upon many people.

Our next meeting will include the AGM and is on April 7th at 2:00PM