Chief Medical Officer Appeals For Blood Donors, Wales

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 21 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Seasonal cold and flu and holidays result in fall in blood stocks

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, is encouraging people to consider giving blood due to fewer donations over Christmas and New Year and because of people with cold and flu symptoms.

Dr Jewell, along with other Welsh Assembly Government staff, will give blood today at a donor session at its offices in Cathays Park.

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals need 600 pints of blood every day.

Less than half the number of donors gave blood over the 2008 festive period than the same time the previous year.

Although blood stocks are now stable, the Welsh Blood Service still needs people, particularly with A Rh negative, O Rh positive and O Rh negative blood groups, to come forward and donate blood.

Dr Jewell said: "People are able to give blood every 12 weeks. It is simple and only takes a few minutes, which could ultimately help save someone's life. Despite that, only six per cent of the eligible population regularly give blood.

"Many people are concerned about giving blood, because they believe it may hurt, but I assure you it doesn't. For most people, giving blood is an easy and trouble-free experience and staff aim to minimise any discomfort there might be.

"I regularly give blood, and would encourage others to do the same.

"I feel it is very important that anyone who can donate blood comes forward and supports the Welsh Blood Service, enabling them to supply our hospitals with whatever amount of blood they might need.

"I have A Rh negative blood type which the Welsh Blood Service particularly need. If you are not sure what blood type you have, the staff will check for you.

"No matter what type of blood you have, it is important you consider giving blood."

Notes

For information on blood donor sessions across Wales, call 0800 252266 or visit http://www.welshblood.org.uk

The Chief Medical Officer will be at the blood donor session at the Welsh Assembly Government Cathays Park offices at 12noon.

Welsh Blood Service

• Additional
• References
• Citations