Give the best gift of all this Christmas
22/11/2018
This article is more than five years old.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the NHS blood donation appeal for people to give blood before Christmas.
Patients need lifesaving transfusions throughout the year - but during December blood donations drop. This can be because people have Christmas plans or Christmas shopping, and people are more likely to have winter colds.
There can be spells of bad weather which put people off travelling to sessions. However, seriously ill hospital patients need blood throughout the year in Oxfordshire.
Last December, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) issued 1,007 units of blood to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, the sixth highest amount of the 37 NHSBT Blood Donor Centres in England.
This year, around the same amount of blood will be needed.
Dr Simon Raby, Consultant Neurointensivist, said: "We're supporting NHS Blood and Transplant's appeal because we know how blood saves lives.
"There aren't many gifts which cost nothing and are received so gladly.
"Your body will replenish the blood you donate now by Christmas, and the people who receive it will already be feeling the benefit.
"For our patients, your donation may be the difference between life and death - so please keep your appointment when you have one."
There is a dedicated Blood Donor Centre based at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
NHSBT said it needs blood throughout November and December to build up stocks for the Christmas break.
This appeal is specifically for existing blood donors - people who have already donated before.
Jon Latham, Assistant Director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We're really grateful for Oxford University Hospitals' support because this is a critical time of the year.
"If you can't keep your appointment over the festive season, give us 72 hours' notice and rebook.
"If you can’t find an appointment, please check 24 hours prior to your preferred date as we always have last minute cancellations."
NHSBT needs blood all year round and is asking people to make an appointment to donate in the New Year.
It is quick and easy to book an appointment to give blood.
Call 01865 387 939 or 0300 123 23 23 (national call centre), or visit www.blood.co.uk