The importance of giving blood

In this latest Health Matters column, Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group members discuss the importance of giving blood.

As we approach the festive season NHS Lincolnshire CCG is continuing to encourage people to give blood.

Around 6,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured people across England and Wales, and, for some people who have experienced severe blood loss, a blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.

In addition, we need 135,000 new blood donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to ensure we have the right mix of blood groups to match patient needs in the future.

NHS Blood and Transplant is working with the rest of the NHS to keep supplying lifesaving blood to hospitals. Blood and platelet stocks are currently good but please keep donating. To make donating as safe as possible for everyone we have made a few changes to giving blood. Please read the following information before coming to donate:

lCheck you are okay to attend a session – read coronavirus health rules for donors;

lKeep your appointment – please reschedule it if you can’t come by calling us on 0300 1232323;

lWear a face covering – this doesn’t have to be a surgical mask, but should be a fabric covering of your mouth and nose;

lAttend alone – please come on your own if you can;

lArrive on time – please arrive at your appointment time (not earlier). To help social distancing we may ask you to wait outside for a short while before coming in.

Thank you to all the donors who are keeping blood, plasma and platelet levels steady. Also, please remember the following:

lWe need people to keep donating blood. Giving blood saves lives.

lIf you are fit and well, please try to keep your appointment or book for the future.

Visit Blood.co.uk for more information

Donor centres are open, extra safety measures are in place, and staff are taking special measures to provide a clean and safe space for you to donate.

Generally speaking, provided you are fit and healthy, weigh over seven stone 12lbs (50 kg), and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before), you should be able to give blood. People aged over 70 need to have given blood in the last two years in order to continue donating.

To find out more about donating blood, or to book an appointment to donate, visit www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/ or call 0300 123 23 23.