Plasma donation centre opens

A new plasma donation site has opened in a former toy shop - and about 120 donors are already booked in.

The centre - aimed at combating Covid-19 - has filled an empty unit in the County Square shopping centre.

The large site formerly housed the Kids Stuff toy store, which closed in September 2018 after 12 years of trading.

Residents who have recovered from the virus are being asked to donate blood plasma, which could be used to treat other patients.

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) team is hopeful the antibody-rich plasma - known as convalescent plasma - can be an effective treatment for Covid-19.

The plasma is transfused into patients who are struggling to develop their own immune response.

The antibodies could slow or stop the virus spreading, which could save lives.

Donation takes about 45 minutes, and the whole visit - including the donation, snacks and checks - takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24 to 48 hours, as well as the donated antibodies.

Bosses say about 120 people are already booked in to donate at the centre following an appeal in October, and they are hoping more will follow.

If you’ve had confirmed coronavirus or the symptoms, you can volunteer today to donate plasma at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk