Article date – 28 August 2018
NHS Blood and Transplant is bringing the ‘Know Your Type’ event to two locations in St Helens town centre to recruit new blood donors.
Assembly Room, Town Hall – 3rd September 10.30am – 2.30pm
Church Square – 6th September 10.30am – 2.30pm
People thinking of becoming a blood donor will have a finger prick test which gives a likely indication of their blood group within a couple of minutes. They are then invited to donate at their nearest local blood donation sessions.
Nearly 6,000 donations are needed every day to meet the need of patients in hospitals across England. Blood is used to treat critically ill patients, whether they have had cancer or other blood disorders, been in an accident, having surgery or after childbirth. The blood people donate is precious – it saves lives.
Nadine Eaton, Head of Blood Donation Marketing for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We always need new donors, especially people with rare and valuable blood groups such as O negative and B negative. We’re really pleased to be able to hold this event in St Helens.
“People find blood groups fascinating and there are many different combinations. However, all blood donors save lives and we need donors from all groups. Please save lives by registering as a new donor at www.blood.co.uk.”
Councillor Gill Neal, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Health and Building Arts & Culture, said: “Blood donation is a quick procedure that saves lives every day. It’s as simple as that. Your blood could be used as a lifeline in an emergency, and for people who need long-term treatments. So please consider coming along to these town centre events and doing something great!”
NHS Blood and Transplant needs 250,000 new donors this year to replace those who no longer donate for reasons such as ill health, pregnancy or foreign travel and to ensure we have the right mix of blood groups to match patient needs in the future.
There are 23 dedicated blood donor centres in England. Donor centres are bright and modern venues with free Wi-Fi. There are two in Manchester and one in Liverpool for those who work in those cities and find it easier to donate blood during or after work.
Blood is also collected in community venues across St Helens, as follows:
St Helens Totally Wicked Stadium
Langtree Park, McManus Drive
Monday 3 Sep 2018 / 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00
Monday 8 Oct 2018 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:00
Wednesday 28 Nov 2018 / 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00
Monday 7 Jan 2019 / 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00
Monday 4 Feb 2019 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:00
Sutton, Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Chester Lane (Next to Library)
Monday 22 Oct 2018 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 18:50
Monday 5 Nov 2018 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 18:50
Monday 10 Dec 2018 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 18:50
Rainhill, Village Hall
Dane Court, Rainhill
Tuesday 25 Sep 2018 / 13:30 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:15
Tuesday 27 Nov 2018 / 13:30 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:15
Tuesday 5 Feb 2019 / 13:30 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:15
Haydock Conservative Club
3 Bellerophon Way, Haydock
Tuesday 30 Oct 2018 / 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:15
Newton le Willows, St. Patrick’s Social Club
111 Common Road, Newton-Le-Willows
Friday 28 Dec 2018 / 13:45 – 15:45 and 17:00 – 19:00
Rainford Village Hall
Council Offices, Church Road
Thursday 13 Dec 2018 / 13:35 – 16:00 and 17:15 – 19:15
Make and keep your appointment by calling the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.
