‘Give blood this Summer’ say Welsh Blood Service as they urge more Swansea residents to donate

The Welsh Blood Service is calling on existing donors and those who have never given blood before to help patients in need at Singleton and Morriston Hospitals by giving blood.

While people’s minds may be elsewhere as the end of the Summer holidays draws near, there’s still a high demand for at city hospitals. Over 1,100 donations of blood and blood products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Morriston Hospital and Singleton Hospital.

The Welsh Blood Service say that despite the pandemic, donations are needed daily by hospitals to treat patients with a range of conditions, including mothers and babies during childbirth; cancer patients receiving chemotherapy as part of their treatment; and by patients involved in emergencies.

One donation has multiple uses as it can be split into three products red cells, platelets and fresh-frozen plasma, meaning one donation can save or improve up to three adults or six babies lives.

Appointments are available at two locations in Swansea the Swansea.com Stadium and the Village Hotel.

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Every day around 350 donations are needed to help the 20 hospitals in Wales we supply, including two hospitals in Swansea.

“We’ve always had a great support from our donors in the area but we’re hopeful that more residents will consider becoming blood donors themselves.

“Last month, 658 potentially lifesaving donations were made in Swansea.

“As a Service, we rely on the generosity of people living in Wales to provide vital donations to patients.

“By giving up just one hour of your time, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference to people in your community and beyond.

“Additional safety measures have also been introduced at the donation sessions, social distancing guidelines are followed, all staff wear PPE and every item is cleaned between use.”

Alan continued: “If you’ve never donated before, why not try something incredible this week – sign up to donate at one of the sessions in your local area and become a lifesaver.”

If you are aged between 17 and 66, book a lifesaving donation at: welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.

(Lead image: Welsh Blood Service)