Highland and Moray blood campaign sees 3000 donations
More than 3000 of you have now rolled up your sleeves and done your bit to boost blood supplies across Highland and Moray since we launched our Give Blood, Save Lives campaign.
As of last week 3120 donors had come forward across the area.
That includes 222 plasma donors; plasma being a specific component of blood that can be used in a variety of treatments including to boost the immune systems of those made more vulnerable as they undergo cancer treatment.
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Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher, head of territory for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in the north, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed over 3000 donors from across the Inverness and Moray region since the campaign began at the end of November.
“That number has included over 200 new donors so far, but we need to welcome more.
“At the moment, O positive blood stocks aren’t as healthy as we’d like so we’re particularly looking for donations from donors with that blood type.
“We’d also like to welcome brand new donors, so even if you have no idea of your blood type, we’d love to see you.
“We have lots of opportunities available to donate in Inverness and the surrounding areas in the coming days and weeks, so we’d encourage anyone who’s able, to call us or go online to book their slot today.”
Currently the service has just three days supply of O positive blood. Supplies only have a limited shelf life and the service would normally look to have at least six days-worth of any blood type to hand.
O negative blood stocks stand at just five days at the moment, the same as B positive, while there are only four days supply of AB negative blood.
Donation sessions are held regularly in Inverness with other upcoming community sessions scheduled for Keith (March 16); Elgin (March 23); Forres (April 1); Balintore (April 2) and Grantown-on-Spey (April 8).
To find and book the best appointment for you simply pop your postcode into the search box at www.scotblood.co.uk or call 0345 90 90 999.
