Blood donors in Bristol are being asked to help the NHS over the challenging winter period by booking and sticking to their appointments.
The only two days of the year that blood donations are not collected are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with appointments available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
In the three weeks over Christmas 2022 and new year, hospitals needed 1,000 more units of blood than the NHS was able to collect in this period, demonstrating how vulnerable blood stocks can be over the festive season. This did not affect the supply of lifesaving blood to patients.
Bristol donor centre at Southmead road has plenty of appointment availability over the festive season and throughout January 2024.
Mark Chambers, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We’re encouraging all of our amazing blood donors in Bristol to please book and keep their appointments and help us save lives.
“Demand for lifesaving blood doesn’t stop for Christmas. Many patients will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth, or an accident.
“We’d also love to welcome anyone giving blood for the first time. If you don’t know your blood type you will find out after donating – you might find out you have the type patients especially need.
“It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives.”
You can register now and book an appointment at blood.co.uk on the GiveBloodNHS app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.