Call to donors in Oxfordshire to give blood this Christmas

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling to the registered blood donors in Oxfordshire as well as new donors to make and keep their appointments during the Christmas period.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, NHS Blood and Transplant in Oxford Donor Centre is preparing for a challenging time - with Christmas shopping, extended public holidays and celebrations all meaning giving blood can slip off to-do lists.

This year, as Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall ahead of a weekend, there are additional concerns that fewer donors than usual will get around to making life saving donations during the busy festive season.

In total, around 210,000 whole blood and 12,500 platelet donations will be needed across England and North Wales over the coming six weeks to help ensure hospitals have the stocks they need to treat patients. Last year one in five donors missed their appointments - putting NHS Blood and Transplant's critical operation under unnecessary pressure.

Gayle Franklin, Oxford Donor Centre Manager of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "At a time when everyone is thinking about the perfect gift for their loved ones, some people will be relying on one gift that really matters - the gift of blood. We're asking new and regular donors in Oxfordshire to give blood this December. The gift of a single blood donation can save or improve up to three lives.

"Don't worry if you've never given blood before - now is a great time to sign up and start giving to help save lives this Christmas and beyond."

Every blood donation is vital, but over winter months there is a particular need to ensure supplies of rarer blood groups. In particular, O Rh Negative, the universal blood group, is always in demand and A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative are the other rare groups most vulnerable to shortfall.

A single blood donation can save or improve up to three lives while every platelet donation helps up to three adults or 12 children. As blood has a shelf life of 35 days and platelets have a shelf life of seven days it is essential that stocks are continually maintained throughout the year, including during the festive period.

It's also important blood donations represent the country's diverse population. Some rare blood groups and some blood disorders are more common among ethnic communities. For certain conditions, for example sickle cell anaemia, it is beneficial for patients to receive blood from the same ethnic background.

While 14 percent of people living in England and North Wales are black, Asian or minority ethnic, only four percent of active blood donors are from these communities.

To book an appointment or to find out where your nearest session is being held visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323 and give the gift only you can give this Christmas.

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.