Donate blood to save lives

Politician Derek Mackay is encouraging his constituents to help save a life by donating blood.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service aim to stock six days’ worth of each blood type at all times.

Blood has a very short shelf life and can’t be stockpiled, so donors are required every day to help maintain stocks of the eight blood types.

The service is currently reporting low stocks in the O blood groups.

The mobile blood van will be at the Kirklandneuk Community Centre, Ness Road, Renfrew on Thursday, October 4 from 2pm until 3.30pm and again from 5pm until 7.30pm.

It will also be at Erskine Sports Centre on Monday, October 8 between 2pm and 3.30pm and 5pm and 7.30pm

To enquire about donor centre opening hours or the schedule for the mobile blood donation van, please visit www. scotblood. co. uk or call 0345 90 90 999.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek said: “We can all help the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service by knowing what blood type we are and by keeping an eye on what particular blood groups are experiencing a shortage of supply.

“As someone who has given blood in the past, I can reassure any first-time donors that the staff are friendly and do a great job in making the process quick and comfortable.

“I’d therefore urge regular donors and any first- time donors to give blood. That few minutes out of your day could save someone’s life.”