Blood Donations urgently required

Blood is still needed during the coronavirus problem and the NHS is asking donors to maintain their appointments to keep up the supply. Special safety procedures have been established at collection centres to ensure that everyone will be in a safe environment.

Next sessions at Morley RFC are tabled below

“Travel to blood donation sessions is essential to the NHS. Our stock levels are currently good but we need people to keep donating to make sure hospitals continue to receive the blood they need.

“We’re putting in place extra safety measures on our sessions and safety is always our number one priority. We’re asking donors to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the government.”

Those wishing to donate can call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk to book an appointment.

The Morley RFC clubhouse will be opening its doors once again to help people donate blood on Monday afternoon, April 6th. The Blood Service regularly hold blood donation sessions at Morley RFC and we are happy to announce that they will continue to collect donations of blood for the use of others during the Coronavirus problems.

Should events change this policy, they will let donors know and the club will post an update on this web site.

The message from the the team at Regional Planning - North which was sent to the club is printed below.

On behalf of the Blood Service and the patients who receive the blood - Thank You to all donors.

We’d like to update you on our thorough plans for helping the NHS to manage the impact of coronavirus, by enabling essential blood donation sessions continue, thanks to the support of venues such as Morley Rugby Club.

We are currently working with the Department of Health, Public Health England, and the UK’s blood donation services. Our blood stocks are currently good but we need people to keep donating to ensure we are well prepared as possible for every eventuality. Regular blood donation is essential to the NHS and will be essential for the national effort to deal with the coronavirus.

We’re using our website and direct communications such as texts to remind donors about the importance of hygiene, travel guidance, and not coming to sessions if they are not feeling well. Our teams are already trained in thorough universal hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of all infections. These include regular handwashing, wiping down surfaces that people touch as door handles, using sterile collection sets for every donation, and preparing the arm with an aseptic cleanser. We have prioritised alcohol handrubs for our mobile collection teams. We’re following all the latest advice and we will also be introducing new measures such as triaging donors on arrival, away from the main session.

Blood donation sessions remain safe and we intend to ensure this as the need to collect blood to supply the NHS is paramount at this time. Safety is always our number one priority. Blood donation is essential to the NHS and donors will still be able to attend sessions, whatever limits there may be on non-essential travel or gatherings.

We are grateful for your support over this critical period for the country.

Yours sincerely,

Regional Planning North