Vital blood donors needed over Christmas and into New Year to prevent Inverness shortage
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Inverness people are being urged to give blood over the festive period as only 38% of appointments are filled between now and January 2.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) are asking the people in the area to make an extra special effort to support Scotland’s patients by giving blood on Boxing Day and into the New Year.
SNBTS was hoping to welcome more than 200 vital donors, but so far
only 76 people have booked in to donate.
Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher, head of territory for the Northern Arch, says: “Inverness Blood Donor Centre is open throughout the festive period, including Boxing Day, 28th December 29th December, and the 2nd of January.
“However, at the moment very few of those 200 spaces are filled with only 76 people booked in total. This is 38% of the target we’d like to reach."
First Minister Humza Yousaf has booked his appointment to donate blood this festive season.
He said: “I’m pleased to be able to visit Glasgow Blood Donor Centre and thank the staff members and volunteers working hard to keep our blood stocks at safe levels over an especially important period.
“During the festive season, donations can drop off as people are busy seeing friends and family, and spending time celebrating but the need for blood does not take a rest.
"NHS Scotland is busy, with cancer care, A&E and maternity wards all still running.
“I’m pleased to be able to play my part in donating blood and would encourage anyone who can to consider booking an appointment. By donating blood, you could help to save a life.”
Dr Armstrong-Fisher added: “We do understand people are busy, and have a lot on at this time. However, we want to remind people about the need for these essential blood components because they will not take a rest over the festive period.
"Our appointment grids are open, and we are asking everyone to book their festive appointment now. We understand giving blood on Boxing Day may feel like an unusual thing to do, but it is also a very important thing to do.
"We will have a festive atmosphere in the Donor Centre, and we’d love to welcome as many people as possible. It’s very important donors come forward throughout December and into the New Year, to ensure Scottish hospitals are well stocked.
"We have a great response from people throughout Inverness, and we have been busy throughout December, which is great news. However, we would love people to make an extra special effort to come forward as Christmas and the festivities approach.”
Book an appointment to give blood by creating your online donor account
at www.scotblood.co.uk, contacting SNBTS online, or phoning 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
