BRIDGNORTH people are being urged to spare a thought during their festivities for local hospitals who need them to give blood. The National Blood Service is concerned about a 10 per cent shortfall in blood during the festive season and is appealing for volunteers to attend a donor session on Saturday December 27.
Hospitals in Shropshire need more than 400 units of blood every week in order to carry out life saving and life improving treatments.
They say as well as donated blood being used for accidents and emergencies, many patients, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer and leukaemia, need regular blood transfusions.
Around a third of people know someone who has received blood and one in 10 have received blood themselves.
But despite this, only four per cent of the eligible population are donors.
Catherine Davies, communications officer for the National Blood Service, said she would like to see Bridgnorth people adding the blood donor session to their planned activities for the festive season.
“It would be wonderful if people who might be going shopping on December 27 would find the time to give blood before or after their trip to the shops.
“Everyone is so busy in the run-up to Christmas that they skip giving blood, even if they are regular donors,” she said.
“Stocks have been falling in the past few weeks, and I would urge people to add the vitally important activity of giving blood to their schedule over the festive season.
“Blood is only there at hospital when we need it because of the willingness of donors to make the time to attend a session.”
Miss Davies said that anyone who has not given blood before will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about their health, medical history, travel history and lifestyle. New donors have their iron levels checked with a simple finger prick test.
“If everything is fine you can make your donation and 10 to 15 minutes later, you’ve saved a life!” said Miss Davies.
Potential donors should be aged between 17 and 66, weigh more than 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and have generally good health.
Appointments are recommended to save any waiting around during sessions. To make an appointment ring 0845 7711 711. The sessions on December 27 will take place in the Bridgnorth Sports and Leisure Centre, Northgate, between 10am and 12.15pm and 1.45pm and 3.30pm.
