Go For it. Give Blood. Monday 9th July 2012
One of the great things about our country is the NHS. Another is the vital life-saving blood transfusion service without which so much of the NHS could not work.
To do this the NHS relies on people becoming blood donors and giving up the time to regularly give blood.
This is a great British tradition and one which research has shown is far better and safer than the alternative of paying people for their blood. It is also gives us all a great opportunity to do something really valuable and generous, yet costs us nothing.
Almost anyone from 17-65 can become a blood donor. For some people of course it is not suitable. See the NHS website www.blood.co.uk.
Did you know that 96% of us now rely on 4% of us to give blood? What is more that 4% are getting older and there is an increasingly desperate need for younger donors? So start a trend; volunteer, tell your friends and encourage them to join up too.
Just remember. You might need a blood transfusion tomorrow, and the same goes for everyone in your family, so would you be happy if your child or a member of your family were to receive blood if you had never got around to volunteering to be a donor?
Well here is your chance. Have a good look at the NHS website quoted above and then book an appointment or call 0300 123 23 23. The NHS team turn up regularly at the Memorial Hall in Wincanton and you will be notified when and a time for you to come will be arranged. The next local session for blood donors is on Monday 9th July at Memorial Hall, Wincanton.
What's it like giving blood?
You are thoroughly checked and questioned, including a finger-pricking blood test to see that all is well for you to give blood on the day. You then lie on a bed, your sleeve is rolled up, you look away and the needle is slipped into your vein on the inside of you elbow. This usually feels less than the finger prick.
The blood flows into a plastic sac and you feel absolutely nothing. After a few minutes the bag is filled and the nurse slips the needle out and covers the spot with a small dressing and plaster. You roll down your sleeve and are offered tea, coffee and a biscuit and asked to sit and drink it before leaving, just in case you feel faint. The atmosphere is always friendly and it is nice to see how many of your friends and acquaintances are also there as donors. Off you go with a real sense of achievement and usually no side effects at all. So go for it.
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