Cambridge blood donors urged to make and keep appointments before Christmas

NHS Blood and Transplant warns it needs to build up blood stocks ahead of the critical festive period.

There are still around 1,400 blood donation appointments unfilled at Cambridge Donor Centre in Long Road in the six weeks until the new year and every potential donation could save up to three lives.

During late November and throughout December, donations drop and some people simply do not turn up for their appointments, particularly in the week before Christmas.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs blood donors to make and keep their appointments to avoid an even more serious pre-Christmas slump.

This year it fears that the forecast bad weather could keep even more donors away. The Met Office has predicted below average temperatures leading to a greater risk of frost and snow.

Donors who need to cancel are being asked to give at least three days’ notice so the slot can be given to someone else. There are around 2,637 active blood donors resident in Cambridge.

Permanent donor centres have the best appointment availability. Donors who are unable to find an appointment at a local community venue such as a church hall are being urged to keep checking, as cancellations mean slots can become available at short notice.

nhsbt.nhs.uk