Give blood and help save lives in West Wales – upcoming donor sessions

Local residents are being called upon to help patients in need by giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service.

Across the counties of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, over 1,000 donations of blood and blood products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Prince Philip, Withybush, Bronglais and Glangwili hospitals.

Despite the pandemic, donations are still needed daily by hospitals to treat patients with a range of conditions, including mothers and babies during childbirth; cancer patients receiving chemotherapy as part of their treatment; and by patients involved in emergencies.

Those who have received the Covid-19 vaccination or have booked an appointment will need to wait seven days after the jab before giving blood.

One donation has multiple uses as it can be split into three products: red cells, platelets and fresh-frozen plasma. That means one donation can save or improve up to three adults’ or six babies’ lives.

Appointments are available across West Wales, including at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest Rugby Club, Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, Crymych Leisure Centre, the Community Hall in Kidwelly and Tenby Leisure Centre.

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said:

“Every day around 350 donations are needed to help the 20 hospitals in Wales we supply, including four hospitals in West Wales.

“We’ve always had great support from our donors in the area, but we’re hopeful that more residents will consider becoming blood donors themselves.

“Last month, 623 potentially lifesaving donations were made in Carmarthenshire, 425 were made in Pembrokeshire, and 161 were made in Ceredigion.

“As a Service, we rely on the generosity of people living in Wales to provide vital donations to patients.

“By giving up just one hour of your time, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference to people in your community and beyond.”

Additional safety measures have also been introduced at the donation sessions, social distancing guidelines are followed, all staff wear PPE and every item is cleaned between use.

Alan continued: “If you’ve never donated before, why not try something incredible this week – sign up to donate at one of the sessions in your local area and become a lifesaver.”

If you are aged between 17 and 66, book a lifesaving donation at: welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266 today.