Urgent plea for blood donors as stocks drop

DOZENS of blood donors are needed to tackle a summer-drop in donations, officials said this week.

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service this week urged anyone who was eligible to give blood to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Two sessions are being held today from noon to 2.30pm and 4pm to 6.30pm at Rotherham Leisure Centre in Effingham Street and officials said that dozens of appointments were still available.

NHSBT spokeswoman Holly Mason said: “We realise that when the schools break for summer there are holidays in the diary and days out planned and it can be easy to forget the blood donor appointment in the diary.

“We ask you to attend if at all possible but if you can't attend your appointment that you let us know by calling 0300 123 23 23 so that your appointment can be offered to someone else.

“Some blood group stocks often dip in the summer and with red blood cells only having a shelf life of 35 days and platelets a shelf life of five days, blood cannot be stockpiled.

“As there is also a bank holiday at the end of August, making a date to donate and keeping your appointment becomes even more important as this is another time of year when stocks can dip.”

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health can be a blood donor.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.