Reading plasma donor centre calls on donors to keep donating as team move to a new temporary venue

On Wednesday, 25 June, an important NHS plasma donor centre in Reading has opened its doors to a temporary venue at Reading Bridge House, just a mile away from the original location at Kennet Place, 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 3 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.

Donors in Reading are playing a crucial role in saving and improving lives of patients across England as well as helping us to reduce our reliance on imports of plasma medicines from other countries.

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.

Statements

Statement from Alia Rashid

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."

Statement from Matt Rodda

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading Central, said:

"I would like to thank the hardworking staff and the generous donors who have made the Reading Plasma Donor Centre such a success and I would like to wish them all every success in their new temporary home at Reading Bridge House.

"I want to also thank the team at the Reading centre for arranging for me to visit and to learn more about their vital work and the importance of plasma donations to our NHS and I would like to encourage anyone who is able to make a donation."

What you need to know

The temporary donor centre will have the same opening hours as the original site, meaning we are open on weekdays, evenings and weekends. You can find exact opening times and more information on our donor centre page.

To register and book your next appointment to donate blood or plasma, visit our website, download the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.