Giving blood in Leicester remains essential travel

We are urging blood donors in Leicester to keep donating as normal if they are fit and healthy, as the city enters another two weeks of extended lockdown measures. The city’s donor centre and local mobile sessions are still open and travel to give blood is essential for the NHS during the lockdown.

Extra safety measures are in place on session. Everyone is triaged on arrival so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.

When entering, hand gels and hand washing facilities are available, donors are being spaced apart and staff are doing extra cleaning.

Staff are wearing face masks and donors are required to wear a face covering and keep it on throughout their time on session, removing it only for refreshments. This measure aligns blood donation settings with other healthcare environments where face coverings are now compulsory.

Blood stocks are currently good because donors have continued to donate throughout the pandemic and demand from hospitals reduced as routine operations were cancelled.

Routine operations are now beginning to resume, so donors are being asked to keep attending and stick to an appointment if it is safe to do so. This will ensure there’s enough blood to meet the growing need in the coming weeks and months.

Blood donation is a reason to get out of the house and do something amazing, and it saves lives.

Gillian Moore, East Midlands Area Manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We have seen a fantastic response from blood donors so far in the pandemic and this has meant blood stocks have stayed steady and in a good place throughout.

“With an extended lockdown taking effect in Leicester, I’d urge anyone in the area who has an upcoming appointment to donate blood to please stick to it if you can, as blood donation remains classified as essential travel for NHS and patient care.

“Blood saves lives and donating is something you can do to help the NHS at this time. Extra safety measures are in place on session and our doors are still open.”

Around 5,000 units of blood need to be collected each day. Blood is used for treating trauma, cancer, blood diseases, bleeds in childbirth, and much more. Each donation can save up to three lives.

Leicester has a permanent blood donor centre at Mansion House, 41 Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ. There are several mobile collection sessions across Leicestershire too. 

Please check the latest advice and guidance on COVID-19 and giving blood before you attend a session on the Give Blood app and website at www.blood.co.uk

Media contacts

For additional information please contact Rob Knowles in the NHS Blood and Transplant press office on robert.knowles@nhsbt.nhs.uk or 07384 915766, or 01923 367600 or pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk