Call for more blood donors
JONATHAN GEDDES
The coronavirus may have placed most of Scotland on lockdown, but the need for blood donors is as great as ever.
That is why the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service were at Rutherglen Town Hall recently.
With many Scots currently self isolating and staying indoors, there are concerns blood supplies in the country could drop to a low level.
The NHS body aim to always have a five to seven days’ supply of all eight blood groups at all times, and they were pleased some locals still made the effort to come out and help, despite the current pandemic. Lynne Willdigg associate director of donor services and transport, said: “We are asking people to make an extra special effort to give blood over the coming days weeks and months.
“If you are fit and well, and have not been impacted by the coronavirus, it is important you come forward to donate.
“We’re asking people with specific blood groups to make an extra special effort to donate. We are texting donors and have had an excellent response and we would like to thank everyone who has come forward.
“Over the coming months, donors with blood group O and A will be asked to make an extra special effort to donate.”
Ms Willdigg added that the ongoing situation is likely to continue for days, weeks and months, but that there will be a need for blood donations throughout that time.
She added: “At the moment, we are asking you to go online, find your nearest or most convenient session, and book your appointment or insert a date in your diary to give blood.
“Every donation is very important at this time and we’d love to welcome new donors in addition to current donors.”
The service aim to transform health through blood, tissue and cell therapy products, services and solutions. Visit https:// www.scotblood.co.uk/news/ covid-19-advice-for-donors for more information.