Give blood to help save more lives

PEOPLE in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to give blood this winter as more road accidents and seasonal cold and flu put a strain on supplies.

From September, vital blood supplies see a sudden drop because fewer people are able to donate due to general illness becoming more prominent in the autumn and winter.

 

'NOTHING TO IT': Janice Smith gives blood under the care of Ann Smith, NHS donor carer.

But at the same time, the need for emergency blood increases as there are more accidents, such as car crashes and falls, during the colder weather.



Now NHS Blood And Transplant (NHSBT), which oversees the collection and distribution of blood and blood products, is urging more people to give blood so that lives won't be needlessly lost – a plea that has been answered by many in North East Lincolnshire.

Holly Mason, lead donor relations manager for NHSBT, said: "We would like people to make an extra special effort to give blood over the next few weeks.

"We understand September is a busy time for many people, but the demand for blood never stops.

"It is also the start of the coughs and colds season and to ensure we are able to maintain blood supplies to hospitals it is important blood donors continue to come forward and donate."

Every day, 7,000 units of blood are needed, helping with cancer treatment or blood disorders, accident and emergency situations, problems in childbirth or general surgery.

Just four per cent of people in the UK who are eligible to give blood, do so.

The latest session in Cleethorpes saw the Memorial Hall packed to the brim with big-hearted donors.

Among them was Janice Smith, 60, of Cleethorpes, who has donated blood 39 times.  She said: "Giving blood is such a worthwhile cause.

"My dad always donated blood and watching him do it spurred me on to do the same.

"More people need to do it. There is nothing to it and certainly nothing to worry about – the nurses take great care of you."

With an appointment, giving blood can take as little as half an hour from arrival to sitting down with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

It is so easy, father and son, Garry, 47, and Garreth White, 24, of White Electrical in Humberston, did it in their lunch break.

Garry said: "I am quite a regular donor and have just passed my bronze for donating more than ten times.

"Donating is so important. We do a lot of work in Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital and it is quite evident there is a big need.

"We see a lot of people having operations and treatment and it does make you think."

Garreth said: "It is a great thing to do and I think more people are seeing the importance of it. It gives you the feel-good factor once you have done it."


For details of sessions in your area, or to book an appointment, call 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk