Travel to blood donation session is considered essential travel
COVID-19 has impacted the Welsh Blood Service, due to social distancing guidance they are seeing less people in each clinic. The need for blood has not stopped during the pandemic. That is why it is even more important to register and see if you are eligible to give blood.
This Sunday,14 June, is World Blood Donor Day. A day to raise awareness of the importance and need for blood donations. It is also an opportunity for us to thank and celebrate all the volunteers who have donated their blood.
The Welsh Blood Service organises the collection, testing, processing, and distribution of blood in Wales. They rely entirely on voluntary donors to maintain supplies to Welsh hospitals. They need to collect 350 donations every day to keep up with demand.
COVID-19 has impacted the Welsh Blood Service, due to social distancing guidance they are seeing less people in each clinic. The need for blood has not stopped during the pandemic. That is why it is even more important to register and see if you are eligible to give blood.
Don’t worry about COVID-19 infection and giving blood. I went to give blood last week at one of the clinics in Roath, Cardiff. I was a little nervous, as it was my first time, but all the staff did their best to put me at ease, even while wearing PPE. There are strict social distancing measures and hand hygiene throughout the session. The whole experience was very well organised and felt safe. So if you are feeling healthy and well, why not check to see if there are any clinics near you!
Travel to blood donation session is considered essential travel and is allowed under Welsh Government guidance.
Coronavirus
If you have had symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 but have not been tested, you must wait for at least 28 days following recovery of symptoms before donating.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmissible by blood transfusion, and Welsh Blood’s strict screening process means that they don’t allow people who are unwell to donate blood. For more information on COVID-19 and giving blood, please click here.
Donate platelets and blood
Welsh Blood Service is working in partnership with Public Health Wales, Welsh Government, Cardiff and Vales University Health Board and Cardiff University on a project designed to help treat patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using convalescent plasma. The project will explore whether convalescent plasma transfusions can help benefit patients with COVID-19 recovery.
