Giving blood

More people need to give blood, but not everyone can. If you're one of the lucky ones who are able to donate, you should, says Lisa Marks



In October 1990 I underwent major spinal surgery. During the course of my seven-hour-operation I lost about eight pints of blood. I remember wondering who had taken the time to donate their blood so I could get well. I vowed there and then to give it back.



Last year the National Blood Service collected 2.1 million donations from about 1.6 million donors. It sounds a lot but it isn't. That's only five per cent of the population giving two or three times a year. And 8000 units of blood are needed every day to meet demand ? that?s 2.9 million units and rising.


Even so, blood donation sessions are busy and it's wise to book your appointment.
Turning up at my local church hall was like stepping back in time. There was a real 'wartime' spirit as the nurses flitted between the ten beds. A group of donors, of both sexes and all ages, sat waiting.



There are many strict rules for blood donation - you are required to fill in a detailed medical form. In addition, I was given a folder full of rules and regulations and told to read them through carefully. Reading the updated book, it quickly became apparent that I wouldn't be able to give blood. Earlier this year the NBS brought in a new rule for blood donors. Because of the risk of vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease), they can no longer accept donations from people who have received blood since January 1980. As the session doctor explained to me, 'We have to be extra careful. This is a precautionary measure only, so we'll keep you on our books in case this rule changes.'



I was completely deflated but Jane, 34, who was also in the waiting room, was able to donate. Her reasons were simple. 'I want to help and you never know when you might need some back,' she explained. 'Also, my mum had an operation recently and I remember thinking how amazing it was that these bags of blood seemed to appear like magic whenever she needed it.'