Luton Blood Donor Centre launches donation appeal
It's as donations are expected to drop in the winter months
The Luton Blood Donor Centre has launched an appeal for donations ahead of the colder months.
Emma Martin, Clinical Manager there, has given her 73rd donation of O negative blood and is calling on others in the region to book appointments.
With over 230 available donation slots in the next two weeks, Emma is leading by example and emphasizing the ongoing need for blood, particularly O negative, as the NHS prepares for winter.
O negative is known as the universal blood type, meaning it can be given to anyone in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Despite only 8% of the population having O negative blood, it accounts for 16% of the blood used by hospitals.
Blood donations become especially important during the winter months, when donor availability tends to drop due to illnesses like colds and flu.
Emma said: "We usually see a little drop in donations during the winter because of our donors’ potential ill health.
"We need a constant renewal of that blood."
Emma’s journey as a blood donor began when she turned 18, inspired by her parents who were both donors.
"I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My mum is O negative too, but both my parents can no longer donate for health reasons, so I will continue as long as I can," she said.
She is eager to encourage first-time donors, assuring them that the process is simple and not as daunting as they might expect.
She said: "The most common thing that new donors say afterwards is, ‘It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,’ which is always a bonus.
"It’s a little bit uncomfortable for a couple of seconds, but it’s not a painful experience."
While O negative blood is urgently needed, all blood types are valuable.
While O negative can be given in emergencies, hospitals aim to match a patient’s blood type whenever possible.
The Luton Blood Donor Centre is encouraging those interested in donating to register and book an appointment through the NHS Blood and Transplant website or by phone.