LOCAL residents are being called upon to help patients in need by giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service.
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.
The Welsh Blood Service has also experienced a sustained period of high demand from hospitals as they continue to reintroduce services such as routine operations that require blood products. This increase means more blood donors are needed to help meet these additional needs.
One donation has multiple uses as it can be split into three products: red cells, platelets and fresh-frozen plasma, meaning one donation can save or improve up to three adults or six babies’ lives.
Across Pembrokeshire, over 200 donations of blood and blood products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Withybush General Hospital.
Appointments are available at four locations in Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest Rugby Club, Milford Haven Pill Social Club, Letterston Village Hall and Pembroke Town Hall.
Alan Prosser, Welsh Blood Service Director, said: “Every day around 350 donations are needed to help the 20 hospitals in Wales we supply, including Withybush.
“We’ve always had great support from our donors in the area but we’re urging more residents to consider becoming blood donors and supporting patients in need. We’ve managed to increase our capacity in the area and we’re hoping this will help make it easier for people to donate.
“We are particularly calling on existing O negative, O positive and A positive donors to come forward but if you are a new donor and don’t know your blood type don’t worry, please sign up and we’ll do that bit for you.
“Last month, 411 potentially life saving donations were made in Pembrokeshire.
“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 are in place at all our donation sessions, all staff wear face masks 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.”
Book a lifesaving donation at: welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266 today.
