BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE UPDATE

We are currently working with the Department of Health, Public Health England, and the UK’s blood donation services. Our blood stocks are currently good but we need people to keep donating to ensure we are well prepared as possible for every eventuality. Regular blood donation is essential to the NHS and will be essential for the national effort to deal with the coronavirus.

We’re using our website and direct communications such as texts to remind donors about the importance of hygiene, travel guidance, and not coming to sessions if they are not feeling well.  Our teams are already trained in thorough universal hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of all infections. These include regular handwashing, wiping down surfaces that people touch as door handles, using sterile collection sets for every donation, and preparing the arm with an aseptic cleanser. We have prioritised alcohol handrubs for our mobile collection teams. We’re following all the latest advice and we will also be introducing new measures such as triaging donors on arrival, away from the main session.

Blood donation sessions remain safe and we intend to ensure this as the need to collect blood to supply the NHS is paramount at this time. Safety is always our number one priority. Blood donation is essential to the NHS and donors will still be able to attend sessions, whatever limits there may be on non-essential travel or gatherings.