Give blood and help save lives in Swansea

Local residents are being called upon to help patients in need by giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service.

Across Swansea over 1,000 donations of blood and blood products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Morriston Hospital and Singleton Hospital.

Despite the pandemic, hospitals still need daily blood donations 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 three locations in Swansea at the Village Hotel on Thursday 07 October and Wednesday 27 October, Swansea.com Stadium on Thursday 14 October and Friday 15 October, and St. Hilary’s Church Hall, Killay on Friday 01 October and Friday 15 October.

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 three hospitals in the Swansea Bay University Health Board region.

“We’ve always had great support from our donors in the area, but we’re hopeful that more residents will consider becoming blood donors themselves and supporting us. At this time, attendance at some of our clinics is not what we would like it to be.

“We are particularly calling on existing O blood type donors to come forward. If you are a new donor and don’t know your type don’t worry, please sign up and we’ll do that bit for you.

“Last month, 622 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 today.