NHS Lincolnshire CCG are currently calling on local residents to encourage them to consider giving blood. Around 6,000 units of blood are needed every day to help save the lives of sick and injured people across England and Wales, and, for some people who have experienced severe blood loss, a blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.
Karl said: “I have given blood since I was a student, which is quite some time ago – it’s a simple, (nearly) painless way that allows you or I to contribute in a truly meaningful manner to the wellbeing of people who are in desperate and urgent need.
So please do consider it -- donor centers are open, extra safety measures are in place, and staff are taking special measures to provide a clean and safe space for you to donate.”
Generally speaking, provided you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12lbs (50 kg), and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before), you should be able to give blood. People aged over 70 need to have given blood in the last two years in order to continue donating.
There have been some recent changes to the eligibility to give blood and the latest information can be found here: UK to change eligibility to give blood on World Blood Donor Day with launch of new donor safety assessment - NHS Blood and Transplant (www.nhsbt.nhs.uk)
To find out more or book an appointment to donate, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
