Reading plasma centre calls for new donors
The centre in Reading has reopened after a refurbishment
READING’s Plasma Donor Centre has held a reopening ceremony following a modernisation and expansion to bring in 5,000 more plasma donations a year.
Special guests include Kathryn Allman from Spencer’s Wood in Reading, whose baby Alex received plasma medicine after exposure to measles.
The donor centre is now bigger and brighter, with 12 plasma donation chairs instead of nine, increasing the amount of plasma that can be collected by a third.
Other features include wifi, new chairs and fittings, a new reception desk, modern screening booths, and a donor snack station, to give people a better experience when they visit.
What is Plasma?
Plasma is made into lifesaving medicines which are used to treat more than 50 diseases.
There are only three plasma donation centres in England, including Reading, so it’s very important that the NHS makes the town a hotspot for plasma donation.
Over the last 12 months, the centre collected around 7,000 donations.
But the centre needs to collect around 12,000 donations over the next year to reach donation targets and boost NHS supplies.
Plasma is part of your blood. It’s a yellow liquid which carries everything around the body. During donation, a machine gradually separates out up to 700mls of plasma from your blood.
Most people aged 17 and 65 can donate.
Donation takes about 35 minutes and the whole visit – including questionnaires and snacks - takes around an hour.
Plasma contains proteins, which can be made into medicines which are used to treat wide range of serious diseases. The plasma from Reading’s donors will be made into two products; immunoglobulin and human albumin solution.
More than 500 people from the Thames Valley receive plasma medicines every year and more donors are needed.
Case study
Alex Allman received immunoglobulin following exposure to a patient with measles at A&E during January 2020.
Babies under six months can’t have the MMR jab so Alex had no antibodies to protect him.
The donor antibodies in the plasma medicine boosted his immune system, protecting him from the potentially serious complications which can occur if the infection reaches the brain or lungs.
Mum Kathryn, 34, from Spencer’s Wood near Reading, started donating plasma herself afterwards. She said:
“We were told measles can even lead to death.
“Immunoglobulin gave me that peace of mind. It made all the difference to Alex and us.
“I’m so excited to see the donor centre has been refurbished because I know we need more donors.
“Donation is quick and the staff are such good fun.
“You’re donating a medicine in you which saves lives - plus you get free snacks.”
Shannon Weetch, Nursing Team Leader for Reading Plasma Donor Centre, said:
“We know many people haven’t heard of plasma donation but it’s easy and simple, like blood donation.
“Plasma helps babies’ hearts, adds antibodies, improves the immune system, prevents paralysis - it’s amazing and lifesaving.
“My team are so happy with the new look and we’d really love to see new faces down here trying donation. We need you to join our growing community of donors and help save lives.”
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Plasma Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant said:
“We needed to expand from temporary set-up to a modern and professional experience that reflects how important it is for Reading to become a hotspot for plasma donation the wider NHS.”
Address
Reading plasma donor centre is in Kennett Place, 121 King’s Road, Reading, RG1 3ES
Donate
If you’re the giving type, search ‘donate plasma’ and register as a donor at www.blood.co.uk/plasma