Save a life in your lunch break
Donating just one pint of blood can mean the difference between someone surviving a life threatening situation, and a doctor having to break some truly heartbreaking news to a family. So why don't more people do it?
In December last year, the NHS Blood and Transplant service voiced their worries about an expected drop in blood donations during 2012, due to the much anticipated sporting calendar, and extra bank holidays.
They are expecting to see a decrease in the number of people donating this year, which will have a huge impact on the millions of patients across the country who will need blood.
Blood collected from people at donor sessions is used to treat cancer patients, rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle cell disease. It can also be vital in saving people who have been in road traffic accidents, as well as during surgery, and for new mums and babies.
Just over 4% of the population are active blood donors, and the NHS needs 7,000 of these voluntary blood donations, every day, to meet demand.
In fact, approximately two million units of blood will be required by hospitals during 2012 - and that means an extra 500 donations a week to ensure that they have enough stocks to cover the potential need from those visiting the UK for the Olympics.
Anyone over the age of 17, and in good health, can donate blood. It's very simple - you book a session at your local venue, answer a health questionnaire to check that you're eligible to donate on the day - then pop your feet up and let the NHS nurses do the hard work. Everyone is different, so it's hard to say how long it will take, but you will be rewarded with a drink and a biscuit at the end.
A pint of blood might seem like a lot, but your body makes up the difference very quickly. And if the knowledge of saving lives, and getting a biscuit isn't enough - you should refrain from any heavy duty activity after you've donated, so that means someone else can have your tea on the table for you when you get home from work!
You can only donate a maximum of three times a year (every 16 weeks) - so that's three lunch breaks a year that you could give up. A small sacrifice to make when you will be saving lives.
For more information on donating, and to sign up, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
Georgia Smith