Give Blood, Save Lives: Join Highland News and Media campaign to make a difference with Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS)
HOW many of us have considered giving blood at one time or another?
We know it’s a good thing to do, we know it could help save a life and, yet, somehow, we’ve never quite gotten round to actually doing it?
We want to change that now - very few of us look like Superman or Wonder Woman, but we can still do incredible things.
As part of our new Give Blood, Save Lives campaign, between now and Easter we want you to join us in our effort to secure 5000 pints of donated blood across Highland and Moray.
We want to boost the number of regular blood donors.
And we want to share the inspiring stories of those who have benefited from donations - and celebrate those stepping up to do their bit.
If it’s the thought of going it alone that is holding you back, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) website - www.scotblood.co.uk - contains a wealth of information about who can donate, how to prepare for donation, and what happens at a donation session, to help put your mind at ease.
Could you persuade family members to donate with you? Or what about donating as a group of friends? Members of a social or community group? Work colleagues?
There is strength in numbers and the donations service will be happy to help facilitate a group donation.
Whether stepping out alone or doing it together though, the time is now!
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Blood can be separated into three parts - red cells, plasma and platelets - so that every donation has the potential to positively impact on multiple lives.
And just three teaspoons of blood can save the life of a premature baby.
Blood is used to help people in need in a wide range of circumstances including where they have been seriously injured; in surgery or child birth; for the treatment of anaemia or other blood disorders; or to help those undergoing cancer treatments.
It’s amazing but has a shelf life of just 35 days, meaning it cannot be stockpiled and must be constantly replenished.
SNBTS aims to have six days’ worth of each blood type in stock at all times but at the time of writing the average was just five days - with some blood types as low as three or four days.
Between December 5 and January 5, Highlands and Moray needs to welcome at least 1245 donors across the doors at donation sessions.
So even as the holidays approach, there’s no let-up on demand.
Dr Fiona Gunn, is a consultant in emergency medicine and chairwoman of the Highland's transfusion committee and explained: “Even though it is approaching Christmas, emergency activity and the need for blood, does not take a rest.
“In the emergency department, we see patients of every age who need emergency blood transfusions.
“This is not only as a result of traumatic injuries but can be due to newly diagnosed or pre-existing conditions.
“These patients’ lives can be saved with donated blood and we ask that everyone who can, thinks about giving their festive donation.
“We rely on donors to provide blood and blood products to help us deliver life-saving emergency treatments.
“There’s never been a better time to think about making an extra special effort to come forward and donate.”
So join us please - Give Blood, Save Lives.
To give blood, head to the Scotblood website as above where you can check your eligibility, sign up, and book an appointment - or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
And whether you are donating or have benefitted from donation let us know about it - your story should be celebrated and may inspire others to do their bit.
