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Nurses who donate blood are urged to keep their appointments in the run-up to Christmas

Blood stocks can drop in festive period as donor bookings are missed or cancelled
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Blood stocks can drop in festive period as donor bookings are missed or cancelled


Picture: Alamy

Nurses who are blood donors are being urged to make and keep their appointments to sustain high stocks over the Christmas period.

Around one in four appointments to give blood were cancelled at short notice by donors in the week before the festive holiday last year, while one in ten failed to turn up.

Appeal to loyal donors

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is encouraging ‘loyal donors’ to make sure hospitals have the blood they need over Christmas and the new year, stating that each donation can save up to three lives.

NHSBT chief nurse for blood supply Jane Green said: ‘Nurses see the lifesaving and transformative effects of blood transfusion as they care for patients every day.

‘If your patients’ stories have moved you to become a donor then we urge you to make an appointment if you can, and do your best to keep it, not just in December but throughout the year. If you can’t keep your appointment please give us three days’ notice and rebook.’

NHSBT director of blood donation Mike Stredder said: ‘Demand for lifesaving blood doesn't stop for Christmas. But stock levels can drop dramatically if too many donor appointments are missed or unfilled.

‘We need our loyal donors more than ever at this time of year to make sure hospitals have the blood that seriously ill children and adults will need.’

Existing blood donors are being prioritised for appointments in the run-up to and over Christmas.

New donors who have registered but not yet donated are being asked to make an appointment for the new year.


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