How to donate blood to the NHS

How you can make a difference by donating blood

Here at Circle Health Group, we are keen to do all we can to support the NHS and ensure that they have enough blood supply to meet demands. As our Group Medical Director, Peter James, explains:   

“A strong supply of blood products is imperative for our healthcare systems to be in a position to support patients. Blood is used in a diverse range of settings and must cover the totality of our population. Blood types like O-negative and O-positive are especially useful as they can be used to treat patients with multiple blood types.” 

Why is O-negative and O-positive blood the most needed?

While with other blood types, the donor blood type and the recipients must match, type O is what we call a ‘universal blood type,’ meaning that it is safe to be given to any patient, regardless of their blood type. This means that even if the patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given type O blood.

I have type O blood, what do I do?

If you have type O blood and are willing to donate, book an appointment to donate now. You could help save up to three people's lives with one donation.

How do I know what blood type I am?

While only 8% of the population has O-negative blood, 35% have O-positive, meaning that there is a high chance that your blood may be needed right now. If you do not know your blood type, you can still donate; any type of blood is always in demand.

How can I book an appointment at a blood donation centre?

Booking an appointment to donate blood in the UK has never been easier. In London alone, there are 25 centres or locations that you can attend and donate with more appointments being made available.

1. Visit the NHS Blood Donation Website: Go to NHS Blood Donation to find information on blood donation, eligibility, and booking appointments.
2. Register or log in: If you are a new donor, you will need to register. If you have donated before, simply log in to your account.
3. Find a donation session: Use the ‘Find a session’ feature to locate a blood donation centre near you. You can search by postcode or town.
4. Book an appointment: Choose a convenient date and time for your donation. Confirm your booking and you will receive an email or text confirmation with the details.
5. Prepare for your appointment: Ensure you eat well, stay hydrated, and bring your ID to the donation session.

What happens when you donate blood?

Donating blood is a safe and simple process, and it usually takes about an hour from start to finish. The process is generally as follows: 

1. Registration: On arrival, you will be asked to fill out a donor health check form and register.
2. Health screening: A healthcare professional will check your iron levels with a quick finger prick test and ask some questions about your health and travel history.
3. Donation: Once cleared, you will sit in a comfortable chair while a small area of your arm is cleaned and a needle is inserted. The actual blood donation takes about 5-10 minutes, during which about 470ml of blood is collected.
4. Rest and refreshments: After donating, you will be asked to rest for a short period and have some refreshments to help replenish your fluids and energy levels.
5. Aftercare: You can then go about your day, but it's recommended to avoid strenuous activities for the next 24 hours and to stay hydrated.

Your donation can save up to three lives, and with the current NHS crisis, your contribution is more critical than ever. Become a donor today and make a difference.

Donating blood: A donor's experience

Laura James, Head of Medical Performance at Circle Health Group, has been donating blood for years. She shared her personal experience as a donor and why becoming a regular donor means so much to her.