Give blood – and help to save lives

NORTH Hampshire residents are being urged to donate blood tomorrow (Friday) to help ensure hospitals have all the supplies they need.

NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing to blood donors to make appointments to donate at the Tadley Community Centre on Newchurch Road, between 10.20am and 2.20pm.

Extra safety measures have been put in place at the centre to keep it Covid-secure.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need people who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the pandemic.

“We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months.

“Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there. “We’ve put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority.

“Donors are triaged with a temperature check on arrival, hand gels and hand washing facilities are available, donors are spaced apart and staff are doing extra cleaning.

“Staff and donors wear face coverings.

“Our sessions and donor centres are still open and travel to a blood donation session is essential for the NHS.

“Blood donation is a reason to do something amazing. Blood donation saves lives.

“We’re asking donors to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government.

“We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.”

All donors are asked to book appointments rather than walking in.

To book an appointment, call 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk

To read more about the coronavirus safety measures, visit https://www.blood.co.uk/news-andcampaigns/coronavirus-blood-donation-and-safety/