Blood Donors needed

Blood donors are being urged to keep their appointments this month after figures showed thousands fewer donations occur in the run-up to Christmas.

People who wish to donate for the first time are also being urged to come forward to help boost blood stocks across the country.

Figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) show that 7,000 units of blood are needed every day but appointments booked for December are far lower than the monthly average.

In December 2010, there were 15,000 fewer donations than in an average month across the year.
People who are O Rhesus negative (O-) and B Rhesus negative (B-) in particular are being asked to boost low stocks of these types throughout December.

Jon Latham, assistant director of blood donation at NHSBT, which covers England and Wales, said: "We think these seasonal dips in donations are due to the poor weather conditions at this time of year and the busy run-up to Christmas when people have such a long 'to do' list that giving blood can sometimes slip off the bottom.

"But by giving blood you'll be giving the greatest Christmas present of all - the gift of life. Just one unit of blood can save the life of three adults or seven babies. It is truly a 'money cannot buy' present."
Overall, 230,000 new donors are needed every year to keep blood stocks up.

Please book for the session on Friday 30th December, from 13.15 - 15.25 and 16.30 - 18.15 pm at:
OLD BASING VILLAGE HALL
THE STREET
BASINGSTOKE
HANTS
RG24 7BW Simply call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.