Blood from a Stone

The TV and Radio ads tell us to give blood, as there is a massive shortage of donors. Well, why not? Unless you don't don't particularly like needles, which is fine, then surely there's no reason not to give blood right? I'd generally disagree.

I have given blood several times, as I don't mind needles, and it makes me feel good about myself. The trouble is, they don't make it easy for you. I work in central London, so I'd love nothing more than to be able to pop out once a month at lunchtime and give a pint of blood. But it's near impossible to do that.

My nearest blood centre to work is only 10 mins walk away, but they are closed at lunchtime. Now call me daft, but aren't most people in central London there becasue they work there? And when do most people have the time to get out of the office? Exactly - lunchtime.

So,another time, I tried taking a late lunch, and popping in at around 3pm, only to be told that there was a one-and-a-half hour wait just to be seen. Plus at least half an hour to actually give blood. Sorry, but that's not how you process volunteers.

Finally, the exclusion list is outdated. You can't give blood if you are gay, or have ever had sex with a man. This is presumably because of the risk of HIV being present in the blood. But there are more heterosexuals with HIV than homosexuals - so where does the logic lie there?

Instead of spending millions on ad campaigns bemoaning the lack of of donors and how selfish we all are, I would propose that the National Blood Service take a long look at why people aren't donating. There is certainly no shortage of willing donors, just a shortage of their time.