NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on the residents of Grantham to donate blood.
Hospitals in England and North Wales need around 7,000 units of blood every day to treat patients with a range of health issues which means that the need for blood is constant.
It is particularly important for those donors who are O Rh negative (O-) and B Rh negative (B-), as these blood groups are the most vulnerable.
The blood donated is used not only in accident and emergancy situations, but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and other blood diseases like leukaemia.
Red blood cells only have a shelf life of 35 days and the shelf life for platelets is even lower at seven, which means it is important that NHS BLood and Transplant maintains vital blood stocks by collecting enough blood for ill patients.
The amount of blood donated decreases in the summer period which leaves hospitals with less blood than needed to treat their patients. This means it is more important for donors to give now before their own holidays to give hospitals a safer amount of blood stocks.
Holly Mason, lead donor relations manager for NHSBT said: “Summer is the time of year that everyone looks forward to. The longer days, warmer weather and plethora of outdoor events puts everyone in a good mood. But with some people jetting off to exotic countries, we like to encourage eligable donors to donate before their holiday, rather than afterwards to ensure blood stocks keep healthy.”
Hospitals in England and North Wales need around 7,000 units of blood per day to treat patients with a range of issues and only 4 per cent of the eligable population are active blood donors. It is vital that more blood is donated to NHSBT in order to treat patients and potentially save their lives.
Anyone aged between 17 and 65 weighing more than 50kg (seven stone 12 lbs) and in general good health can donate. 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
Upcoming donor sessions in Grantham are as follows:
** Ramada Hotel, Swingbridge Road, Grantham
Sunday, August 25, 10.30am-3pm
Thursday, September 5, 12.30pm-3pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm
Monday, September 9, 1pm-3.30pm and 5pm-8pm
Monday, September 16, 12.30pm-3pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm
** Belton Lane School, Green Lane, Grantham
Thursday, August 22, 1pm-3.30pm and 5pm-8pm