Health chiefs urge men in Brighton and Hove to give blood

NHS bosses have made a plea for men in Brighton and Hove to become blood donors.

Health chiefs at the Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said that they were supporting a new year appeal for more men in the city to start donating blood.

The CCG said: “Over the last 12 months, thousands of people started donating blood in Brighton and Hove – their donations will save and improve lives.

“However, there is a national shortage of new male donors. Only 43 per cent of England’s blood donors are now male. It’s vital more men start giving blood to get the balance right.

“Men are particularly important donors for two reasons. Men can donate more often because they have higher iron levels.

“Men’s blood can be used in more ways – some of them are extraordinary. For example, only men’s blood is used for complete blood transfusions in newborn babies.”

The CCG added: “This is about the future. The NHS needs to strengthen its blood donor base by getting more men to start donating blood so they go on to become regular donors in the years to come. You can help in Brighton and Hove by registering as new blood donor today.

“NHS Blood and Transplant currently supplies all the blood that hospitals require but it needs more young men to start giving blood to ensure there is a strong enough donor base in the long term.”

Nadine Eaton, head of blood donor recruitment at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need more men to register as new blood donors in Brighton and Hove this new year.

“Ordinary people can become extraordinary life-savers when they donate blood. If you can’t find an appointment right away don’t worry – your blood will do extraordinary things if you donate in a few weeks instead.”

Become a blood donor at www.blood.co.uk.