‘Please keep appointments to give blood’

Plea in the run up to Christmas which normally sees dip in donors

BLOOD donors are being urged to make and keep a life-saving appointment at Leicester Donor Centre before Christmas.

NHS Blood and Transplant is warning it needs to build up blood stocks ahead of the critical festive period.

There are still about 1,800 blood donation appointments unfilled at Leicester Donor Centre, in Guildhall Lane, in the six weeks until the New Year and every potential donation could save up to three lives.

During late November and through December, donations drop and some people do not turn up for their appointments, particularly in the week before Christmas, a time when people are busy with celebrations and shopping.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs blood donors to make and keep their appointments to avoid an even more serious pre-Christmas slump. This year it fears the forecast bad weather could keep even more donors away.

The Met Office has predicted below-average temperatures, leading to a greater risk of frost and snow.

Donors who need to cancel are being asked to give at least three days’ notice so the slot can be given to someone else.

Karen Ellis, manager of Leicester Donor Centre, said: “If you are having difficulties making your appointment, please make sure you contact us so we can offer the slot to someone else. We need to collect blood throughout November and December to build up stocks in time for Christmas.

“Demand for life-saving blood doesn’t stop for Christmas. But England’s stock levels can drop dramatically if too many donor appointments go missed or unfilled.

“We know that donations slump and cancellations rise in the middle of December and the cold weather forecast could make the situation worse.

“We need our loyal donors to donate at Leicester donor centre more than ever at this time of year, to make sure hospitals have the blood that seriously ill children and adults will need over Christmas and the New Year..”

There are about 3,059 active blood donors in Leicester. Permanent donor centres have the best appointment availability.

Donors unable to find an appointment at a community venue, such as a church hall, are being urged to keep checking, as cancellations mean slots can become available at short notice.

People who want to donate for the first time probably won’t be able to find an appointment because existing donors are being prioritised.

New donors who can’t see an appointment are advised to make an appointment to donate in the new year, instead.

A serious drop in donations could affect the supply of blood to the tens of thousands of people in England who will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth or an accident.

Donors with all blood groups are being asked to keep their lifesaving appointment in the run-up to and during Christmas, but vulnerable groups such as O negative, B negative and A negative are particularly important.

It is quick and easy to make, view and change appointments by calling 0300 123 23 23 or online at: