Giving blood

SIR – I am a “universal” blood donor, which means my blood can be given to anyone (Letters, June 15).

I am often called upon specially, yet I am then unable to get an appointment and am told that “walk-ins” are not allowed. The system is not fit for purpose.

Fareham, Hampshire

SIR – I have been giving blood for more than 40 years. The “new” system of donating by appointment sounds reasonable, but the last time I donated blood I had to wait for over an hour past my appointment time.

Under the old system of first come, first served, I rarely had to wait more than 15 minutes. Is this progress?

Southampton

SIR – As a blood donor, I was both surprised and saddened to hear of the problems facing donors in England.

In Wales the NHS is devolved and our blood donation service goes under the name of Welsh Blood. Whether the devolved service is more efficient than that of our English neighbour, or I’m just fortunate to live in the Wrexham area, the service here is brilliant. I book my appointment online about a month in advance and can usually choose one of four donation centres within a five-mile radius. I have been able to book my preferred time slot on every occasion.

The Welsh Blood team are very efficient, so there is no waiting when you arrive, but equally there is no sense of being rushed. I have never approved of Welsh devolution, but perhaps in this case we’ve got it right. Needless to say, Welsh blood is better than English blood, because it contains hwyl.