Appeal for blood donors in Bristol in the run up to Christmas
NHS service says hundreds of appointments are available
The NHS is urging blood donors in Bristol to book and keep their appointments to save lives this Christmas.
They say hundreds of appointments are available at the city's donor centre in Southmead Road over the next fortnight.
In the three weeks over the festive period last year, hospitals needed 1000 more units of blood than the NHS was able to collect
The NHS service says winter is always a challenge for blood stocks with cold weather, seasonal illnesses, and busier diaries.
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We’re encouraging all of our amazing blood donors in Bristol to please book and keep their appointments and help us save lives this Christmas.
“Demand for lifesaving blood doesn’t stop for Christmas. Many patients will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth, or an accident.
“We’d also love to welcome anyone giving blood for the first time. If you don’t know your blood type you will find out after donating – you might find out you have the type patients especially need.
“It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives.”
The only two days of the year that blood donations are not collected are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with appointments available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
Blood is needed to help the NHS treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery.