WIREDGOV

Strictly embargoed until 00:01, Wednesday 28 December 2011 - NHS Blood and Transplant fear significant drop in blood donations in 2012 - Bumper sporting calendar, Olympics and bank holidays keep donors away -

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 22 December 2011

Issued by the News Distribution Service on behalf of NHS Blood and Transplant.

NHS Blood and Transplant is warning that a 'perfect storm' could be created by next year's bumper sporting calendar and extra bank holidays, severely affecting blood donation levels in 2012.

NHSBT statistics show that 93% of donors give blood during the working week and that when there are big sporting events or a string of bank holidays donation levels drop:

* The bumper bank holidays around Easter and the Royal Wedding Week in 2011 resulted in thousands of fewer donations.

* Last year on one day alone there were 851 fewer donations than the previous year, constituting a 12% drop due to the combination of particularly warm, sunny weather, the World Cup Quarter Final and Andy Murray's Wimbledon Semi Final.

Jon Latham, NHSBT Assistant Director Blood Donation, said:

"2012 is going to be an exciting year for the UK but we're concerned that the cluster of major events could dramatically impact the number of blood donations coming in.

Approximately 2 million units of blood will be needed by hospitals throughout 2012, and the equivalent of 500 extra donations will be needed each week in the first six months to help us build blood stocks and cover extra potential need from Olympic visitors.

We're calling on the public to make regular blood donation a New Year's resolution. Whether you've never donated before or haven't done for a while please book your appointment and help save lives in 2012."

A significant drop in donations could have a massive impact on the thousands of people in England who require blood. Blood 'products' are not just for road traffic accidents, they are used to treat people with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, for new mums and babies, and during surgery.

TV presenter Penny Smith is supporting the campaign and recently donated blood at the West End Donor Centre in London. She said:

"I have been a regular blood donor since I was 18, and love having a nice lie down and a biscuit while feeling terribly virtuous. I'm so pleased that I'm able give blood this Christmas and have already made my appointment to do it again in 2012.

Giving blood is simple for the donor but it's life-changing for the patient who receives it. 7,000 donations are needed every day to make sure there's enough blood for those who need it. Make your New Year's resolution a lifesaving one - give blood."

Sophie Ellis-Bextor became a first time donor during National Blood Week this summer and added:

"NHS Blood and Transplant needs 230,000 new blood donors every year to make sure blood stock levels are maintained. I gave blood for the first time this year and plan on becoming a regular donor.

Why don't you join me and make it your New Year's Resolution to give blood regularly? It's free, you'll save lives, and it's a resolution you'll actually want to keep!"

Other celebrities supporting the 2012 New Year resolution campaign include comedian Dave Spikey, Olympic runner Jo Pavey, Dancing on Ice star Jayne Torvill, Olympic bob skeleton champion Amy Williams, Derby County FC Manager Nigel Clough, Rugby League star Steve Prescott and TV presenter Ben Fogle.

You can start donating from the age of 17. So do something amazing this festive season and call 0300 123 23 23 or visit the www.blood.co.uk website to find out about your nearest blood donation session.

For more information about blood donation or to make an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 2323 or follow NHSBT at http://www.facebook.com/NHSBlood or www.twitter.com/GiveBloodNHS .

ENDS

Notes to editors
1) NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England and North Wales. It is also the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.

2) Key facts:

* Over 4% of the eligible population are active blood donors
* The NHS needs 7,000 voluntary donations of blood daily
* A unit of blood is measured as 470mls (or just under a pint)
* Whole blood donors can give every 16 weeks. That's three times per year
* First time donors should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health. If they have donated before, they can start again up to their 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years

3) The cluster of events in 2012 are:

To view the table that accompanies this release, please follow the link below;

http://nds.coi.gov.uk/ImageLibrary/detail.aspx?MediaDetailsID=4963


4) Further celebrity quotes and images are available

Media enquiries
For further information, images or interviews please contact
mary.reilly@coi.gsi.gov.uk / 020 7261 8833
krystyna.mcgrath@coi.gsi.gov.uk / 020 7261 8360
Vas.Sofokleous@coi.gsi.gov.uk / 0117 917 5354

Out of hours please contact NHSBT press office on 07659 133583.

Contacts:

Billy Owen.
Phone: 020 7261 8864
billy.owen@coi.gsi.gov.uk