Blood donors urged to keep appointments in Wolverhampton
Blood donors across Wolverhampton have been urged to keep their appointments despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Donations across the NHS are 15 per cent lower than expected but stocks remain at a good level, NHS chiefs have said.
Now Wolverhampton Council has called on people to keep their appointments – or sign up to donate.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “NHS Blood and Transplant needs to collect around 5,000 units of blood a day, and each donation can save up to three lives.
“So if you are an existing donor and you are well, the message is clear – it is vital that you try to donate blood at this time. And if you have not donated before, there’s not been a more important time to think about doing so.
"Despite the social distancing measures we all need to be following at present, travelling to donation sessions is permitted because hospitals need our blood supply now and in the coming weeks more than ever.
"However, donors are asked to attend their appointment alone if at all possible."
New and existing donors should be well enough to visit a clinic – but must stay away if they have symptoms of potential coronavirus.
People aged 70 or over, along with the most vulnerable, are currently unable to donate.
To register as a blood donor, please visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or download the Give Blood app from the App Store or Google Play.
