A special message to donors
Area matron, Penny, sends a special request to donors during the coronavirus pandemic: "Please donate when you can - hospitals and patients are relying on you".
18 March 2020
Coronavirus update - please keep donating
Video transcript:
"There is always a need for blood, and hospitals and patients rely on donors like you.
At this time, it is important that you keep donating blood as normal.
We are working with the government and the rest of the NHS to prepare for the impact of coronavirus, and this is likely to be significant.
You can help the NHS prepare by keeping your appointment and giving blood as normal.
When booking an appointment, please follow the latest advice on travel and health, which you can find on our NHS Give Blood app, or our website.
And please be aware that there are some extra travel and contact deferrals in place because of coronavirus. Again, you can can find details on our app and website.
As usual, please do not come to a session if you have a cold or have any flu-like symptoms.
If you can't keep your appointment, it's important that you let us know, so we can give it to someone else.
Before and during your visit, please follow all the latest hygiene advice. Safety is our number one priority, and our teams are trained in thorough universal hygiene precautions.
Blood donation is quick, easy and safe. Every time you donate, you can save up to three lives."
