1. Donor Relations The National Blood Service

2. Donor Relations Who are we? The National Blood Service is an integral part of the NHS. We guarantee to deliver blood, blood components, products and tissues to anywhere in England and North Wales. We also ensure that the blood we supply is properly screened and is safe for patients.

3. Donor Relations How Blood is used Whole Blood - rarely used in full as it is now split into its three components. Which are: Red Cells - used for treatment of all kinds of anaemia Platelets - used after transplants and chemotherapy. Plasma - used after blood loss in cardiac surgery

4. Donor Relations Top uses of blood. Blood is used in all of the following disciplines General Surgery Accident & Emergency General Medical Paediatrics Cardiothoracic Renal Orthopaedics Intensive Care Haematology. Obstetrics

5. Donor Relations Why blood is vital Everyone knows that blood is essential for those who have been in an accident or have lost blood during surgery in order to save their life. But for some, whose illness has no cure, a blood transfusion can help improve their quality of life during their final months.

6. Donor Relations Blood Groups Everyone inherits two ‘blood group’ genes from their parents the combination making your blood ‘type’ ‘O’ is the oldest blood group. ‘A’ is the second oldest group. ‘B’ group is mostly found in Black or Minority Ethnic communities. ‘AB’ is the rarest type, found generally in South East Asians.

7. Donor Relations Donating Blood Step 1 - Locate nearest session via blood.co.uk Step 2 - Register at blood.co.uk online Step 3 - Haemoglobin test (to make sure you aren’t anaemic) Step 4 - Donate blood - just under one pint (470mls) Step 5 - Have a short rest whilst enjoying a drink and biscuits

8. Donor Relations Who can give blood? The general guidelines are that you can give blood if you: »Are aged 17 - 60 »Weigh over 7st 12lbs »Haven’t donated in the last 12 weeks »Are generally fit and well 0300 123 23 23

9. Donor Relations Who can’t give blood? You should not give blood if: –You have already given in the last 12 weeks –You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore –You are currently taking antibiotics or have within the last 7 days –You have had any body piercing or tattoos in last 6 months –You suffer from epilepsy or diabetes (that isn’t controlled by diet or exercise) –A member of your family has suffered with vCJD –You have received a blood transfusion yourself since 1st January 1980 or think you may have. 0300 123 23 23

10. Donor Relations Final thoughts Over 1,000 people in the North West benefit from blood products EVERY DAY! One blood donation can help up to 3 people. Register now to GIVE BLOOD! (www.blood.co.uk and save a life ) The next local donation session is on Tuesday 6 th May 2014, 12:15 to 18:30 at Oldham Queen Elizabeth Hall. Come and donate blood between 13:15 and 15:30 or between 17:15 and 19:30.

11. Donor Relations Thank you for your time today. We hope to see you at a session soon. Does anyone have any questions?