Swap Hibernation for Blood Donation

WITH the days getting shorter and the long summer days drawing to an end, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to swap their sofa for a donation chair at one of the upcoming blood donation sessions in Merseyside.

The change of weather also sees the start of the colds and flu season which can mean existing donors are unable to donate whilst they are unwell. With only 4% of the eligible population giving blood regularly it is important that others come forward to donate blood if they are able to do so.

Barbara Blanche, Lead Donor Relations Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:- "For many, October can be a quieter time of the year socially and, with the dark nights drawing in, it can be tempting to stay indoors. However, we would ask people to fight the urge to hibernate and save lives instead.   If you are generally in good health you could potentially help to save up to three lives with every donation you give. Colds and flu can have a knock-on effect with blood stocks, this is why we need people to act now to help save and improve patients' lives across England and North Wales."

Every day hospitals in England and North Wales need around 7,000 units of blood to treat patients with a range of health issues including patients with cancer, patients in A&E and women needing blood during maternity care.

NHS Blood and Transplant collects blood across England and North Wales and plans sessions to ensure the right volumes of blood are collected, tested and delivered to meet the needs of patients.

Anyone aged between 17 to 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 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. Whilst we can't collect blood in every town and village there are regular opportunities for people to attend blood donor sessions across the region.

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

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS TO BE
HELD DURING OCTOBER 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 03.10.13
Sports and Social Club
Charnock Road
CULCHETH
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Friday 04.10.13
Ecumenical Centre
Northway
SKELMERSDALE
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 07.10.13
All Saint's Catholic Club
High Street
GOLBORNE
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Tuesday 08.10.13
Haydock Conservative Club
3 Bellerophon Way
HAYDOCK
10.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.15pm

Wednesday 09.10.13
Territorial Army Centre
Aigburth Road
AIGBURTH
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm