Originally published on Birmingham Eastside
The NHS Blood and Transplant service has 2,000 blood donor appointments to fill in Birmingham over the Christmas period.
Birmingham has 2,000 appointments to fill with donors in worst season for cancellations
Birmingham currently has over 10,500 active blood donors according to NHSBT. Yet, Birmingham Blood Donor Centre still has 2,000 donation appointments to fill over the next six weeks.
Shailesh Mistry, regional donor marketing manager for the west of England, explains why blood donor centres experience a decline during the festive season.
He says:
‘In the lead up to Christmas, people’s lives get busier. We are also predicted to have colder temperatures over the next few days, so people are a bit reluctant to come out. On top of that you do see an increase in cold and flu, so we need to make sure that those who are able to donate and have appointments, keep them.’
Mike Stredder, Director of Blood Donation for NHSBT, said:
‘We need our loyal donors to donate at Birmingham Donor Centre more than ever at this time of year, to make sure hospitals have the blood that seriously ill children and adults will need over Christmas and the New Year. Each donation can save up to three lives.’
Nearly one third of appointments missed during Christmas 2017
During the week beginning 11th December 2017, nearly one third of donation appointments were cancelled in under the 72 hours notice period. The NHSBT service say that last minute cancellations meant that it was too late for other donors to take up the appointments.
The NHS are urging donors to cancel three days before an appointment if possible and necessary, and to reschedule an appointment rather than cancel altogether.
Laura Sanders 