The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Thousands fewer giving blood in Scotland as demand falls
Less blood used due to improvements in transfusion practice
Thousands fewer people are giving blood across Scotland as advances in transfusion practices see demand fall.
Information released by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) shows that across the country, a total of 39,240 fewer people donated last year compared to 2012 – a fall of 26%.
Across Tayside and Fife, 6,400 fewer donated with Perth seeing a drop of 25%, Angus 40%, Dundee 32%, and Fife 28%.
SNBTS, which ensures the NHS has enough blood to meet the transfusion needs of patients said the drop, rather than being a problem, reflects an overall reduction in demand over the past six years.
It said this is due to improvements in surgery and transfusion practices, better clinical practices to use as little blood as possible, and improved supply chain management.
It also stated as the number of donors has fallen, the average amount given by each donor has increased.
Moira Carter, associate director of Donor Services for the SNBTS, stressed, despite a drop in demand, new donors are always required.
She said people should try to be “blood group aware” and give when stocks of their blood-type are low.
She said: “Working together, every part of the NHS in Scotland has achieved a 20% reduction in the need for blood for transfusions over the last six years.
“This has been a combination of better clinical practices to use as little blood as possible during operations, continued improvements in transfusion practice and improved supply chain management.
“On average our donors are giving more each year, and we hugely appreciate this. What we are asking of all donors is that they be ‘blood group aware’ and give blood when their type is needed most.”
Blood stocks are updated daily on www.scotblood.co.uk with potential donors urged to check the stock level of their blood group before going to give.