NHS Blood and Transplant host Plasma Awareness Parliamentary event in Parliament with charity stakeholders

Munira Wilson, MP for Twickenham and sponsor for the event said:

"It was a privilege to sponsor this event on Wednesday 20 March, which is part of the campaign for a long-term stable supply of blood and plasma donation, increasing our current donor base to do so.

"Recently, I visited the Twickenham donor centre in my constituency, which is one of only three centres of its kind in the UK. I met hardworking staff and committed donors who help to ensure this important service continues.

"Plasma is vital for treating a myriad of rare medical conditions, including immunodeficiencies and Kawasaki disease. Each donation has the potential to save or enhance the lives of numerous patients.

"I would encourage everyone to look into blood and plasma donation and, if eligible, to donate themselves."

Dr. Susan Walsh, CEO - Immunodeficiency UK said:

“Plasma is a precious commodity and it’s vital to raise awareness of the importance of human plasma among parliamentarians. Over 7,000 people in the UK with antibody deficiency, depend on immunoglobulin therapy, which is made from human plasma, to help keep them free from infections.

"Demand for plasma is outstripping supply worldwide and collecting UK plasma will help prevent immunoglobulin therapy shortages and build resilience and stability of supply so that there is continuity of care for people affected by immunodeficiency."

Rachael McCormack, Founder of Societi said:

"We are thrilled to be working with NHS Blood and Transplant to talk plasma in parliament. Plasma is vital for the production of medicines, such as IVIG, one of the main treatments, for Kawasaki Disease. Without treatment many children will suffer severe heart damage. We need more people to donate plasma to help save and improve more lives."

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Plasma for Medicines at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

"For the first time we held a plasma event in the House of Commons, meeting MPs and Lords, to talk about the importance of plasma for medicines. We heard from patients about essential life saving immunoglobulin, discussed the importance of increasing plasma self sufficiency and the successful multi agency and UK collaborations.

"Huge thanks to our sponsor, Munira Wilson MP for Twickenham, our supporters by Societi The UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease and Immunodeficiency UK, as well as Lord Markham, Lord Hunt and Williams Vineall for their continued support.

"A great partnership by our NHSBT Public Affairs team and Plasma for Medicines."