Find out your blood type - and then do something amazing

11 Nov 2016

If you've thought about becoming a blood donor, take the first step by coming along to 'Know Your Blood Type', an event to encourage blood donation

The event will take place in Stopford Foyer from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday, 8 December and will use a simple finger-prick procedure taking only three minutes to determine your blood type.

Attendees can also make individual or group appointments to donate blood on either a Wednesday or Friday lunchtime in January at the easily accessible Plymouth Grove Donor Centre. 

Dr David Allison, Director for Social Responsibility for the School of Health Sciences and event co-organiser, said: “The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) require 6000 units of blood every day to meet the needs of hospitals. NHSBT is particularly interested in finding younger and a more diverse range of donors.

"Experience suggests that more people are inclined to come along and donate when the opportunity to donate is arranged for them, with group donations working particularly well. Giving blood with someone else makes it a more sociable occasion and helps to reassure anyone that feels nervous. We propose to pilot a project in FBMH in early 2017 that raises awareness for staff/students and provides the opportunity to book in for either individual or group blood donation sessions.

"As part of the Faculty Social Responsibility strategy, we are keen to build stronger links with the local donor centre and facilitate an increase in blood donation amongst staff and students.”