Blood donation shortage.

[wandyr79]

A few years back, the blood donor people came to my work in Germany. I along signed up, went in the van, it took about 15 seconds to determine that because I had lived in the UK during foot and mouth or mad cow disease, can't remember which one, that I was not eligible for a blood donor.

They apparently knew that it was a very multi-cultural workplace but didn't think to ask what nationalities were signing up, I think a fair few were rejected based on nationality and/or periods of residency.

 

[davep]

I go semi-regularly. Last visit was a month or so ago for a plasma donation (bit longer and more involved - they take your blood out, spin it round to remove the plasma, then pump it back in!). Not bothered about the squash and biscuits tbh, eat enough crap already. Only take some cos they insist to maintain your liquids/sugar/energy levels.

Also on the donor register for Anthony Nolan, tho kinda hoping I don't get called up for that one (I may be too old already) - they stick a massive needle in your hip to take bone marrow afair!

 

[Walken]

I used to be a fairly regular donor, but too old now. My first donation was on board ship in Hong Kong to the Red Cross. I got a bottle of San Miguel as a reward.

Good to see @Woolly Blue doing his bit

 

[LEONARD]

Good to see @Woolly Blue doing his bit

Shortly before filming this, Hancock was involved in a car crash.

The script was in the car with him, ironically retrieved blood-soaked.

If you watch carefully, he is till concussed, and reading from cue cards.

Comedy genius mind.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

• We really need O negative and O positive donors, for all other donors please check back later.

Pfffft. Clearly my blood isn't good enough.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

I recall seeing this last week;

Sickle cell disease: black donors urged to give blood as demand from patients soars

NHS says sickle cell is ‘fastest growing genetic condition in UK’ and demand for blood has jumped 67% in five years

www.theguardian.com

Demand for blood to treat sickle cell disease has jumped by about 67% in the last five years. NHSBT said 250 donations are now required every day to help people with sickle cell, when five years ago only about 150 donations a day were needed.

About 55% of black people have an Ro blood type, compared with 2% of the wider population. “There is not enough Ro blood available for sickle cell patients to meet hospital demand,” an NHSBT briefing note added.

Could be related perhaps.

 

[Rita_Poon]

You get cheap biscuits and tea or coffee usually.

Plus a printed certificate and a little badge.

Very understated, very crap considering I have a rare and valuable blood type (AB+).

 

[TyphooToffee]

Lately, every time I try to arrange a donation I have to wait weeks, or travel out of the area. I'll have to make another donation before Christmas because I'll then be 70 and might have to stop.

 

[Chewbacca]

Wish I could but they won’t let me as I’ve had cancer. Don’t really understand why as I had the full prostate removed and have 12 months clear blood tests with no markers present.

 

[Littlesue]

Wish I could but they won’t let me as I’ve had cancer. Don’t really understand why as I had the full prostate removed and have 12 months clear blood tests with no markers present.

This is me too, I had breast cancer 8 years back and now fully recovered but I can't donate, I'm 0 Neg too which is what they want

 

[YoboCopter]

Yer ive give it loads usually every 3 months,nice when you get the text saying where its been used

 

[Zezti]

i dont even know what blood type i am

 

[Walken]

Bumping this, was down there today and with so many people ill at the moment its tough to get donors in, its a very very easy nice thing you can do

 

[RAFUH]

US pays for blood, according to my wife you get a full meal in Austria.

You can get money for plasma, but not whole blood in the US

 

[roydo]

40,000 NEW donors responded to the NHS request apparently.