Please Give Blood 2012
NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT FEAR SIGNIFICANT DROP IN BLOOD DONATIONS IN 2012
‐ Bumper sporting calendar, Olympics and bank holidays keep donors away ‐
NHS Blood and Transplant is warning that a ‘perfect storm’ could be created by next year’s bumper
sporting calendar and extra bank holidays, severely affecting blood donation levels in 2012.
NHSBT statistics show that 93% of donors give blood during the working week and that when there
are big sporting events or a string of bank holidays donation levels drop:
• The bumper bank holidays around Easter and the Royal Wedding Week in 2011 resulted in
thousands of fewer donations.
• Last year on one day alone there were 851 fewer donations than the previous year,
constituting a 12% drop due to the combination of particularly warm, sunny weather, the
World Cup Quarter Final and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon Semi Final.
Jon Latham, NHSBT Assistant Director Blood Donation, said:
“2012 is going to be an exciting year for the UK but we’re concerned that the cluster of major
events could dramatically impact the number of blood donations coming in.
Approximately 2 million units of blood will be needed by hospitals throughout 2012, and the
equivalent of 500 extra donations will be needed each week in the first six months to help us
build blood stocks and cover extra potential need from Olympic visitors.
We’re calling on the public to make regular blood donation a New Year’s resolution. Whether
you’ve never donated before or haven’t done for a while please book your appointment and
help save lives in 2012.”
A significant drop in donations could have a massive impact on the thousands of people in England
who require blood. Blood ‘products’ are not just for road traffic accidents, they are used to treat
people with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, for new mums and babies, and during
surgery.
TV presenter Penny Smith is supporting the campaign and recently donated blood at the West End
Donor Centre in London. She said:
“I have been a regular blood donor since I was 18, and love having a nice lie down and a biscuit
while feeling terribly virtuous. I’m so pleased that I’m able give blood this Christmas and have
already made my appointment to do it again in 2012.
Rugby League Star Steve Prescott MBE also pledged his support “I was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer in 2006. The prognosis wasn’t good and doctors thought I only had another six to twelve months left to live. But five years on I’m still here and determined to make each day count. People think that donated blood is only needed after car accidents, but it's needed to treat patients with cancer, help mums and babies after difficult child birth and to treat ongoing blood disorders too. If you can give blood, why not make it your resolution for 2012? It takes half an hour of your time but will make a huge difference to the recipient.”
Giving blood is simple for the donor but it’s life‐changing for the patient who receives it. 7,000
donations are needed every day to make sure there's enough blood for those who need it.
Make your New Year's resolution a lifesaving one ‐ give blood."
Sophie Ellis‐Bextor became a first time donor during National Blood Week this summer and added:
“NHS Blood and Transplant needs 230,000 new blood donors every year to make sure blood stock
levels are maintained. I gave blood for the first time this year and plan on becoming a regular donor.
Why don’t you join me and make it your New Year’s Resolution to give blood regularly? It’s free, you’ll
save lives, and it’s a resolution you’ll actually want to keep!”
Other celebrities supporting the 2012 New Year resolution campaign include comedian Dave Spikey,
Olympic runner Jo Pavey, Dancing on Ice star Jayne Torvill, Olympic bob skeleton champion Amy
Williams, Derby County FC Manager Nigel Clough and TV presenter Ben Fogle.
You can start donating from the age of 17. So do something amazing this festive season and call 0300
123 23 23 or visit the www.blood.co.uk website to find out about your nearest blood donation
session.
For more information about blood donation or to make an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk,
call 0300 123 2323 or follow NHSBT at http://www.facebook.com/NHSBlood or
www.twitter.com/NHSGiveBlood.
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