Call to make a blood donation
People in West Lothian are urged to come forward and give blood this month to keep hospitals well stocked.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) are asking West Lothian blood donors to come forward and give blood at St Andrew’s Church in Livingston.
To ensure there is enough blood for patients in Scotland, SNBTS will be collecting blood several days a week at St Andrew’s Church , Deans, for the rest of May.
Spokesperson from the SNBTS, Vincent Mooney, explained: “This last year has been challenging for all areas of the NHS, and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is no exception.
“One of the main difficulties we have faced has been the reduced ability to collect donations at community sessions across the country.
“Any sessions that are cancelled have the potential to disrupt supplies of lifesaving blood donations being available and delivered to Scotland’s hospitals.
“This means we are setting up for longer than usual in St Andrew’s Church, and we are asking West Lothian donors to play a huge part in ensuring the stability of Scotland’s blood supply.
“This arrangement is currently temporary,
but we are working hard to offer the people of Livingston a donating venue that will be suitable for them.
“At St Andrews, we aim to welcome 48 donors each day we are open.”
Vincent said it’s vital that regular donations of blood continue.
He added: “Bloodstocks have a shelf life of only 35 days, and supplies of all eight blood groups must be constantly replenished.
“At the current time, we are particularly asking donors with the blood groups O+ and A+ to come forward.
“These are actually the two most common blood groups in Scotland, but just because they are common, that does not mean we need less of it.
“It actually means we need more blood of this type, as more patients in NHS Scotland depend upon it.
“We would also particularly like to welcome new donors, or donors who haven’t given for a while. If you previously donated in the wider West Lothian area, we are asking you to come along to the church if you can.”
Vincent continued: “I would like to extend my huge thanks to everyone from St Andrew’s Church who have worked very hard with us to make this possible.
“We have already welcomed 873 donors to St Andrews since April 1, and I would like to thank every single one of them.
“As each donation can be split into three separate parts, (red cells, platelets and plasma) this means the people of Livingston may have saved or improved the lives of up to 2619 patients in Scotland.”