Give blood before Christmas

Give blood

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people to give blood before things get too hectic to help ensure patients get the blood they need in the lead up to, and over, the festive period.

Donors are being asked to book an appointment to give blood before Christmas if they haven’t already done so, and to keep their appointment if they have already made one.

Blood is always needed, with hospitals in England and North Wales requiring around 6,000 units of blood every day to treat a range of patients. To keep stocks healthy as the festive season approaches and over this time, donors are urged to remember to donate between now and Christmas.

It is important that vital blood stocks are maintained at all times, as red blood cells have a shelf life of just 35 days and platelets a shelf life of only seven days. NHS Blood and Transplant needs to collect enough blood in the right quantities of each type to meet patient needs. Donations from all blood groups, but especially from O negative, B negative and A negative donors, are needed in the run up to Christmas.

Amanda Eccles, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHSBT, said: “We know it is a busy time of year and will only get busier as the festive season approaches. That’s why we’re urging our donors to book an appointment to give blood before Christmas, if they don’t already have one.

“And we’d ask our donors to please keep their appointments over the coming weeks to help us keep blood stocks healthy and help hospital patients this winter.”

While many people think that blood is used mainly for accidents and emergencies, donated blood is vital for a wide variety of life-saving procedures. This includes helping to save the life of a new mother during or after childbirth or treating patients with blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia and Thalassaemia, which require regular transfusions.

To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk