How to give blood, how often can I do it and what happens at the donor centre? Our guide to giving blood with the NHS includes how you can prepare before the donation and what happens when you get there; Our guide to giving blood with the NHS includes how you can prepare before the donation and what happens when you get there.
Byline: Kathryn Riddell
Could you give up just one hour of your time to help save lives?
Many of us have considered giving blood but worried that we may not be the right person to donate.
But thousands of new donors are required bythe NHSeach year to replace regular donors who have had to stop due to lifestyle changes, illness or because they are getting older.
A total of 135,000 new blood donors are needed each year to replace those who stop donating and to ensure there is a right mix of blood groups, O, A, B and AB, to match patient needs.
We've taken a look at what giving blood involves and what you need to know before your first donation.
In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood.
If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
You should not give blood if you have had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
If you have had a piercing, tattoo, semi-permanent make-up or cosmetic procedures which involve skin piercing, you must wait at least four months to donate.
Meet the first South Shields babies to be born in Sunderland
Woman who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last six months will not be able to donate.
Anyone who has received blood products since 1 January 1980 will also not be able to give blood.
If you are feeling unwell in the days before you are due to donate, you can check the website blood.co.uk for advice.
The best way to book an appointment is through the website.
There you can look through all of the available appointments and choose one that suits you.
In Newcastle, thedonor centreis on Holland Drive, just off Barrack Road.
After booking an appointment, you should receive a questionnaire in the post. This includes questions on any medication you have taken, or illnesses you have had.
You will also be asked about recent sexual activity which may have put you at risk of any infection and if you have traveled abroad in the last year.
See the colourful launch of World Transplant Games in Newcastle
Bring your filled-in questionnaire to your appointment and a staff member will go through your answers during a confidential session.
Before your appointment try and get a good night's rest - around seven to nine hours.
Make sure you have something to eat and drink plenty of water before donating.
Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy...
To continue reading
Request your trial