Call for blood donors as stocks dwindle (From Campaign Series)

Call for blood donors as stocks dwindle

4:40pm Tuesday 30th December 2008

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BLOOD donors are being urged to attend sessions across Gwent during the coming weeks, to help head off a shortage of vital supplies to hospitals.

Attendance across Wales has been down recently, because regular donors have been hit by 'flu and other seasonal illnesses, while the festive season limits the opportunities for the Welsh Blood Service to set up sessions.

"We're not at the critical stage yet, but we want to make sure we don't get anywhere near it," said Trudi Evans, the service's donor recruitment manager.

"Supplies are low however, and we are concerned.

People in Gwent have a vital part to play in ensuring we have sufficient ongoing supplies of blood to meet demand.

"We would urge regular donors who may have had 'flu or any other problem and are now well to come along.

"I would also urge people who have appointments for donor sessions to keep them, and anyone else eligible to give blood is welcome to come along."

Each year, the Welsh Blood Service must collect 100,000 units of blood across south, west and parts of mid Wales, to supply the region's hospitals.

A unit comprises just under one pint of blood, which can be stored for 35 days. The service also collects blood platelets, which can be stored for 22 days and which are used to help prevent bleeding in people with a low platelet count, particularly those with cancer, leukaemia or other diseases.

The latest Welsh Blood Service stocks count indicates there is just one day's supply of type B- blood left, and three days' worth of types A- and O+.

There are four days' supply of type O- blood left. This type is especially helpful however, as it can be used in any patient in an emergency.

BLOOD donor sessions will be held in the Caerphilly Borough on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday January 27-30: Blackwood Miners' Institute, 10am-6pm (Tuesday and Wednesday), 10am-4pm (Thursday and Friday).

For new sessions and other information, contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252266 or visit the website at www.welsh-blood.org.uk

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