Save lives with the extra hour

WHEN the clocks go back this October, what will you do with the extra hour?  Stay in bed? Fit in an extra gym session? Spend time with family? How about saving a life?

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) are reminding the public that it only takes an hour to give blood. With blood in constant demand, new and existing donors are being urged to donate in Merseyside to ensure that sufficient blood is available for patients.

There are many ways that donated blood can save the lives of the sick and injured. Donated blood is used not only in accident and emergency situations but also for patients undergoing surgery and receiving treatment for cancer and blood diseases, such as leukaemia.

Giving blood can dramatically improve or save the lives of those in need of blood transfusions, in fact a single donation can be broken into three component parts (red cells, plasma and platelets) which means that one donation can potentially save or improve the lives of up to 3 people.

Barbara Blanche, Lead Donor Relations Manager for NHSBT, said:- "As the weather gets colder, people are more likely to stay indoors.   We would like to remind people that they only need to spend an hour of their time with us in order to help save lives.  With the increase in the cold and flu this season, it is vital that those that are able to donate do so, to keep stock levels healthy.

Anyone aged between 17 to 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last 2 years. To book an appointment call the Donor Line on:- 0300 123 23 23 or visit:- blood.co.uk.

BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS TO BE HELD DURING NOVEMBER 2012

Liverpool Donor Centre, Unit 6, 2 Moorfields, (Entrance on Dale Street), Liverpool

Monday/Thursday/Friday/Alternate Saturdays:-
8.20am until 3.30pm

Tuesday/Wednesday:- 12.20pm until 7.30pm

Thursday 01.11.12
St Patrick's Social Club
111 Common Road
NEWTON LE WILLOWS
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Friday 02.11.12
Heswall Hall
111 Telegraph Road
HESWALL
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 05.11.12
Liverpool Road Methodist Church hall
Liverpool Road
BIRKDALE
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Tuesday 06.11.12
The Village Hall
2 The Green
PARBOLD
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Thursday 08.11.12
Metropolitan Cathedral
Mount Pleasant
LIVERPOOL
11.00am to3.00pm

Friday 09.11.12
Grosvenor Assembly Rooms
Grosvenor Street
LISCARD
2.00pm to 4.00pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm