Leading commercial organisations have taken a significant step to combat the blood shortage in England. These include The Co-operative Bank (office-based employees), ITV, Hargreaves Lansdown and Gatenby Sanderson, as well as Basketball England, Millwall FC, Alton Towers Resort and Hargreaves Lansdown.
NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on more companies to help save lives by boosting blood stocks.
According to a new survey by NHS Blood and Transplant of over 3,000 donors, 43 percent of those surveyed would donate more blood if their employer gave them time off. The percentage rises to 65% for those between the ages of 25 and 44.
NHS Blood and Transplant released an Amber Alert on July 1st, and it remains in effect, because of a severe shortage in O negative blood caused by a cyber attack that affected London hospitals in the beginning of this year. A cyber-attack on major London hospitals prevented them from matching blood, so they could only use O negativity. This is the type of blood that can be given safely to patients whose blood types are unknown.
Cross-matching was not restored before the end of September, so the effect on blood stocks is long lasting. This winter could see further shortages if more O negative donors and those with Black heritage aren’t found.
There is a particular need for more donors with Black heritage, as the sub-type “Ro”, which is used to treat sickle cell patients, becomes increasingly important. Ro blood is only found in less than 2% blood donors, but it’s present in around 55% of Black Caribbeans and Black Africans. Currently, the NHS only has enough blood donors to provide half of what hospitals require to treat sickle cells. The O-negative must be used to replace the rest.
Dr Jo Farrar is the Chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant in England. She said:
“Thanks to these leading companies who have committed to helping the NHS. They are a great example of how companies can support public health by fostering a giving culture within their organisation.
We urgently need to recruit more O-negative and Black blood donors this fall and winter in order to prevent the national blood stock from falling. Please book an appointment if you are O-negative or Ro. Please book an appointment at one of our donation centres in the fall if you have never donated blood before.
It should only take you an hour to give blood. To book an appointment, please go to blood.co.uk.
Baroness Merron is the Minister for Patient Safety.
“Registering for blood donation is a powerful and simple way to save lives. I’m delighted that many companies are supporting their employees in giving blood.
The NHS urgently needs O-negative blood, and we are calling on donors to help.
Donate Breaks will allow employees to take time off work during the day for blood donation. The companies will encourage employees to make appointments for morning and afternoon on weekdays at the nearest blood donation centre in their town or city.
Businesses will be able track how many lives they have saved with each successful donation.
Catherine Douglas Chief People Officer of The Co-operative Bank said:
The Co-operative Bank is passionate about the importance of giving blood. Giving colleagues the chance to give their time to help others and boost their morale can also improve their sense of well-being.
Bianca Sammut Divisional Director of Alton Towers Resort will encourage visitors and staff to donate, saying:
Alton Towers Resort entertains countless millions visitors each year with its standout attractions.
We’re extremely proud to announce that we have partnered with NHS Blood and Transplant in order to encourage donations, as the blood supply is critically low.
We look forward to encouraging our guests and colleagues to discover their blood type to save lives.
Businesses are encouraged to support the NHS by adopting a ‘Donate Breaks” initiative, encouraging their staff to donate blood and encouraging them to do so. For more information on how to get involved, visit: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/support-us
Please share your story with us and your donation photos using #DonateBreaks and @GiveBloodNHS.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.blood.co.uk or use the GiveBlood App or call 03001232323
The original version of this article Businesses offer ‘Donate breaks’ to donors so they can give blood while working day appeared first on Human Resources News.
