Don’t let Olympics distract from blood donation
BLOOD donations dropped by three per cent during the two weeks of Wimbledon from the previous fortnight and with the Olympic Games just around the corner, stocks could potentially take another dip.
NHS Blood and Transplant want to avoid this happening by reminding blood donors and those thinking about giving blood for the first time in Great Hale to donate to keep stocks healthy during and after the games.
Donated blood is used not only in accident and emergency situations, but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia. Currently 7,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured patients across England and North Wales.
Holly Mason Lead Donor Relations Manager for NHSBT, said: “Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days for red blood cells and just seven days for platelets. Because of this, it is vital that both existing and new blood donors come forward now, so we can ensure that vital supplies of blood are available for the patients that need them over the summer months.”
Anyone aged between 17 - 65, weighing more than 50kg (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 two years.
You can donate next in Great Hale at The Hale Magna Village Hall on Friday August 24 2012 at 1pm – 3.30pm and 5pm - 8pm. To book an appointment call the donor line on 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk
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Weather for Sleaford
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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