WITH Easter just a few weeks away NHS Blood and Transplant is reminding people to make a date to donate and help save lives.
While many people think that blood is used mainly in accident and emergency situations, donated blood is vital for a wide variety of life-saving procedures.
Blood transfusions can help to treat people with cancer, various types of anaemia and other long term illnesses as well as maternity care.
Karen Healy, senior marketing coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “During the Easter period we normally give gifts and chocolate to loved ones. By giving blood you could be helping to save lives.
“Blood donations are always needed but it is particularly important to give around Easter as blood stocks are often more vulnerable around public holidays.
“This is due to people going away or spending more time outdoors with family and friends as the weather improves.
“Giving blood doesn’t take too long. It should take less than an hour from arriving at your appointment time to completing your donation. So make the time to give blood, you never know whose life you could save.”
In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
To book an appointment to donate visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session or consult the table below.
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