Bramhall News - written by local people

Thanks to blood donors – and keep giving!

The National Blood Service has issued a huge thank you to blood donors in the North West for coming forward to save lives over the flu-ridden festive season, as well as helping boost blood stocks in recent weeks.

Following an extended dip over Christmas and New Year due to seasonal illnesses blood stocks have been on the increase during January as regular donors have recovered and returned to give blood.

Rachel Hollingworth, spokesperson for the National Blood Service, said, “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our donors across the North  West. Those of you who managed to dodge the bugs over the festive season and make it to a blood donation session really did help ensure we were able to meet all hospital requests for blood. We’d also like to thank everyone who has come forward in response to our appeals in recent weeks and helped boost blood stocks for patients.”

There is a session taking place in Bramhall soon. New or regular donors are invited to:

Bramhall Scout Hut, Bramley Close
Wednesday February 13
1.30 - 3.30 & 5.30 - 7.30pm

Anyone aged 17 – 60 weighing over 7st 12lbs (50 kg), in general good health, could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. For more information on becoming a blood donor including details of your nearest sessions, or to make an appointment, call 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk

Nationally, stocks now stand at 5 ½ days, slightly less than the 6-7 days that the National Blood Service aims for. More donors are still needed to ensure they remain at reasonable levels, as well as to replace those people who find they cannot donate due to factors including age, travel or ill health.

Just one donation of blood, split into red cells, platelets and plasma can save the lives of up to three patients. Around 4,700 donations are needed every week for patients across the North West.