Suffolk: County is below national average for number of blood donors
OFFICIALS at the NHS are today calling for more people in Suffolk to give blood after it emerged the number of active donors in the county is less than the national average.
Figures released by the NHS Blood and Transplant team have revealed there are 22,700 active donors in Suffolk who have donated blood in the last two years, which represents just over three per cent of the population.
The average number of donors in the country is 4pc. “The figure is slightly lower for Suffolk,” a spokesman said.
“This could be down to various demographic factors, but, of course, we’d welcome more people coming forward and registering as donors in Suffolk.”
The NHS has called for more donors after it was warned Britain’s blood stocks need to raise 30pc above normal levels in time for the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.
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It is thought more people miss appointments due to high-profile events.
An influx of people from overseas for the Games is also expected to increase the need for blood.
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Jon Latham, spokesman for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “This year we have a unique situation and need the public’s help to counterbalance the inevitable dip in donations as people celebrate a memorable summer for the country.
“We need to adjust the mix of stocks so we are well prepared as a responsible host for these exciting events.” Visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 1232323 to book an appointment to donate.
? Has your life been saved thanks to a blood donation? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.
