Drive to recruit new Scottish Blood donors this Christmas

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is appealing for new blood donors across Scotland, as the proportion of people who actively donate has fallen from 3% to 2% of the population.  

 

SNBTS is urging people to register and book a blood donation appointment now to help bolster blood stocks, which are essential for hospitals and patients during the winter period.  

 

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director of Donor and Transport Services at SNBTS, said:  ‘Every day, Scotland needs around 450 blood donors to meet the needs of patients in hospitals across the country. However, fewer people are donating than before, and that puts pressure on Scotland’s blood supply. I am urging both new and returning donors to come forward to help ensure lifesaving blood is always available.”

 

She continued:  “The fact less than 2% of the population are actively giving blood is a concerning trend. In the last 10 years we have seen a drop of 24% – which is just under 30,000 donors. We are also seeing a particular challenge around younger people coming forward. The blood supply has been maintained by our regular donors giving more often, but we really need new donors, or those who have not given for some time, to come forward.”