The long summer days are here, and with lots of activities to get involved with, it can be easy to forget your planned blood donor appointment. Whether it’s day trips out, watching cricket, football and Wimbledon or going away on holiday, NHS Blood and Transplant is reminding people the importance of keeping your date to donate in the Cambridge region.
Blood is vital for patients in accident and emergency situations, patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, and women haemorrhaging in childbirth. Every donor can save or improve up to three lives each time they donate blood.
Michelle Laserna, Senior Marketing Coordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It is easy to get caught up with summer activities such as days out with the family and the busy sporting calendar. But we are reminding people to book their appointment in Cambridge and then save the date.
“If you do need to change you appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer that time slot to someone else.
“Every donation counts, and without your generous donation it wouldn’t be possible to help to save the lives of those who need it.”
NHS Blood and Transplant need donors from all blood groups, but particularly need O negative, A negative and B negative donors and people from Black and South Asian communities.
Michelle Laserna continued: “We always welcome new donors inCambridge and the surrounding area to replace those who can’t donate anymore. If you have registered but yet to make your first appointment, then please call now to book a place.”
In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
To register or book an appointment go online at www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search 'NHSGiveBlood' in the app store.
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For more information about local sessions please contact Michelle Laserna, [email protected] For additional information please contact the NHS Blood and Transplant press office on 01923 367600 or via [email protected]
Be a sport and donate blood
6 June 2016
This month is the start of a season jam-packed with sporting events, but no matter what your game is please remember to help save lives by giving blood.