‘It’s a reason to go outside and do something amazing’: NHS appeals to blood donors after 15% drop over coronavirus fears
Blood banks will need donors ‘more than ever’ over the coming months
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Health officials have issued a rallying call to blood donors after donations dipped by 15 per cent as concerns grow around the coronavirus pandemic.
The impact has been mitigated by the cancellation of pre-planned procedures in the NHS, but NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) officials urged blood donors to stick to their appointments.
Extra safety measures are in place in donation centres – for example, potential donors are being triaged on arrival to ensure that they are well enough to be around other donors.
The national body responsible for blood supply in NHS hospitals said it will need donors “more than ever” over the coming weeks and months.
Donating blood is something the public can do to help the health service, it added.
Every day, NHSBT needs to collect 5,000 units of blood a day to ensure the smooth running of the service, but the number of blood donations collected last week was 15 per cent lower than expected.
The number of donors calling NHSBT to ask if their session is going ahead has risen from around 30 a day to 500 a day.
Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer for NHSBT, said: “We can assure people that blood donation sessions are still going ahead. If you are fit and healthy, travel to donate blood is essential for the NHS and seriously ill patients.
“Extra safety measures are in place. For example, our trained staff will now check everyone on arrival at a session and even stricter cleaning procedures are in place once they are inside.
“Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever over the new few weeks and months.
“Please keep your appointment to donate if you can.
“If you do have to cancel your appointment for any reason, then it is important that you let us know so we can offer your slot as soon as possible to another donor.
“Combating the virus will take a huge national effort. Donation is something you can do to help the NHS. It's a reason to go outside and then do something amazing.”
A patient who regularly receives blood donations to stay alive also implored donors to stick to their appointments.
Roanna Maharaj, from Wood Green in London, has thalassaemia major and needs blood transfusions every three weeks.
“My body does not create enough haemoglobin to carry oxygen around my body,” she said.
“I've never taken blood donors and donation for granted, and this is truer now more than ever.
“Right now, one of the most important things you can do to ensure we do not have another health crisis is keep donating blood. Many people like me rely on blood donations to stay alive. Thank you to everyone who keeps donating as normal.”
For more information on donating blood call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit the website
Press Association
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