Drive to get more men to donate blood

Blood donation chiefs are appealing for men to put their fear if needles aside and register to give blood.

The appeal comes after new research from NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) reveals today that the fear of needles is the primary reason for deterring men from donating blood.

A fifth of men in the UK admitted that this prevents them from doing so.

The research also found that men are also being deterred from giving blood due to being afraid of fainting (10%).

Only 37% of new recruits last year were male.

Men are particularly important donors, as their blood is more likely to have more iron, so can donate more regularly than women. Men’s blood can also be more easily used for platelets, which are used to treat people in emergencies who are bleeding heavily.

NHSBT wants to get 25,000 new male donors over the next five months.

Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need nearly 400 new, first time blood donors every day and we particularly need more men to donate blood.

“We want to assure those who are wary of the process that it’s quick and the needle and feels like a ‘sharp scratch’. If you eat and drink before you donate, you don’t need to worry about fainting. Plus, there are always expert nurses on hand to make you feel comfortable.

“If you are aged 17 or over, please visit www.blood. co.uk to register to donate and make an appointment to donate and help us save lives.”