Give before you go

AN appeal has been raised in the run up to the spring bank holidays asking people in Merseyside to consider giving blood before they pack up to go on holiday.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) are requesting that people donate before they travel to help maintain blood stocks throughout the summer.

Nationally 7,000 units of blood are needed every day, by hospitals to treat people suffering from a wide range of ailments and injuries. Blood donations are also a vital part of treatment for many conditions including cancer and long term illnesses.

Traditionally, the routine of giving blood can be disrupted during the holiday period as people are planning or enjoying trips away, often overseas.

Certain holiday, destinations could potentially increase the risk of travellers getting infections such as Malaria . So, although the risk of infection is low, donors are asked to wait for 6 months after their return, before giving blood. NHS Blood and Transplant would urge donors to give blood before they travel to ensure blood stocks are maintained.

Travellers to areas where West Nile Virus is present no longer have to delay donation. As they can be tested following their return, they are able to donate right away. If people are not sure if travel restriction apply to them, or have any questions, they can call:- 0300 123 23 23 to find out.

Barbara Blanche, Lead Donor Relations Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant for the North West area, said:- "We would love to see both new and existing donors come down to one of their local sessions in May 2013.  We understand that people's routines change as they start to think about holidays and enjoying time away from their everyday, lives to spend with family and friends, but we hope people will consider giving blood before they travel to help keep stocks stable throughout the summer months. Being willing to spare some free time, a couple of times a year, means you can help us to save lives."

Anyone aged between 17 to 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7st 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last 2 years.

For more information or to book an appointment visit:- blood.co.uk or contact:- 0300 123 23 23.

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS TO BE
HELD DURING May 2013 2013

Liverpool Donor Centre
Unit 6, 2 Moorfields
(Entrance on Dale Street)
Liverpool

Monday/Thursday/Friday/Alternate Saturdays: 8.20am until 3.30pm
Tuesday/Wednesday: 12.20pm until 7.30pm

Thursday, 2 May 2013
St Mary's Millennium Centre
Meadow Lane
WEST DERBY
10.00am-12.00pm, also from 2.00pm to 4.15pm

Friday, 3 May 2013
St Helen's Catholic Church
112 Alexandra Road
CROSBY
2.00pm to 4.00pm, also from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Thistle Hotel
Penny Lane
HAYDOCK
2.00pm to 4.00pm, also from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Wednesday, 8 May 2013
The Venue
Maghull Town Hall
Hall Lane
MAGHULL
2.00pm to 4.00pm, also from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Friday, 10 May 2013
All Hallow's Church Hall
1 Greenhill Road
ALLERTON
2.00pm to 4.00pm, also from 5.30pm to 7.30pm