Reading plasma donation centre relocates to new venue
A permanent site could open next year
Last updated 26th Jun 2025
Reading's plasma donation centre has moved to a new temporary venue at Reading Bridge House, just a mile away from the original location at Kennet Place, and ahead of a move to a new permanent donor centre in 2026.
Since opening in April 2021, over 4,470 local people have become donors, helping NHS Blood and Transplant with the mission to save and improve lives. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the plasma donor centre in Reading collected over 8,668 litres of plasma, which was the highest volume collected across the three dedicated NHS plasma donor centres in England.
Plasma collected in England is used to produce lifesaving medicines and in March 2025, the first NHS patients in a generation received these medicines made from the plasma of UK donors. These life-saving medicines are vital for patients with a wide range of conditions including immune deficiencies, burns, and liver disease.
From 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2025, Reading Plasma Donor Centre was responsible for collecting a total volume of approximately 18,818 litres.
This was only possible due to 41,000 appointments at the centre being filled by donors. Reading’s donor community is key to establishing and driving forward a long-term domestic supply of plasma in England.
The original plasma donor centre at Kennet Place, 121 Kings Road, closed its doors on Sunday, 22 June, and the new temporary Reading plasma donor centre is now open at Reading Bridge House, 4th Floor, George Street, Reading RG1 8LS.
Plasma
Plasma is separated out from all blood donations before all the plasma collected is then combined in the manufacturing process to be made into medicines, so it takes many people to help one patient.
Donated plasma can be made into two medicines – immunoglobulin and albumin. In England around 17,000 people with life limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies rely on immunoglobulin to save or improve their lives each year. Thousands of patients rely on albumin, which is used in childbirth, trauma and to treat liver conditions.
The NHS estimates that by the end of 2025, up to 23% of the country's demand for immunoglobulin and 80% of albumin needs will be met through UK plasma collection, reducing the need for imports.
Significant
Alia Rashid, Assistant Director for Plasma Operations at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The success of plasma donation in Reading has been significant. The support and commitment shown by people who live and work in the Reading area to donating plasma and helping those in need is amazing.
“While exciting work is ongoing to design and establish a new plasma donor centre in 2026, we are delighted to be able to continue to collect plasma at our new temporary home in Reading Bridge House.
“We are grateful for all the support we have received from all our local donors and encourage everyone to please continue to donate plasma at the temporary centre until our permanent centre is open.
“We also encourage new people to think about donating plasma for the first time. It is really easy to book an appointment – your support is crucial to help us save and improve lives.”