With the arrival of summer and the warmer weather it brings, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is reminding blood donors in Shildon to remember the constant need for blood all year round, whatever the weather.
Tuesday 14th June 2011 marks the internation- ally celebrated World Blood Donor Day; the birthday of Dr Karl Landsteiner who discovered the ABO blood group in 1901.
New and existing donors who are eligible to donate are encouraged to celebrate this event by making an appointment at their local session during the summer period. Donated blood is used not only in accident and emergency situations but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia.
Currently 7,000 units of blood are needed everyday tohelpsavethelivesofsick and injured patients across England and North Wales yet only four per cent of the eligible population give blood.
Darren Bowen from NHSBT, said, “Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days for red blood cells and just five days for platelets. Because of this, it is important that both existing and new blood donors come forward and donate regularly so we can ensure that vital supplies of blood are available for the patients that need them.” Blood donors can donate three times a year and the process of giving blood takes around an hour – with the actual donation taking about ten minutes. Booking an appointment in advance minimises waiting times and allows you to select a location and time to donate that suits you.
A session will be held at The Scout Centre on Kingsway on Thursday 30th June from 2.30pm to 3.45pm and again from 4.30pm to 7pm. Visit www. blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
