Not sure how many of you are aware, but there is a facility at Capitol Park just off the M1 at Dodworth where you can donate blood plasma. I started doing it during the Covid trials, which whilst ultimately unsuccessful, have led to plasma donations in the UK being allowed again (they were stopped amid the Mad Cow disease crisis I believe) It's not as straightforward as giving blood because you have to have a certain amount of blood in your body (the bigger you are, the better) and you have to have the right sort of veins (and you won't find out until you try) but the NHS are actively looking for more donors and did give me some cards to hand out, so I thought I'd just share it on here. It generally takes about an hour, and there is free parking on site. If anyone would like to find out more visit blood.co.uk/plasma or call 0300 123 23 23 I've been 6 times now so if anyone wants to ask me anything, go ahead.
I donate plasma and platelets and I am very surprised at the low numbers of donors throughout the UK. As you say, simple to donate and painless, it is very rewarding knowing you are doing something to assist others less fortunate.
I signed up and got an appointment a few months ago. However, I had to cancel when I realised I had to be constantly hooked up to a machine for at least 40 minutes. I have Prostatitus (sp) and it gets really uncomfortable when I need to go and I can’t. It was an afternoon appointment which wasn’t helpful. I rang explained this and they just said they’ll take me off the register altogether.
Yes. The blood is extracted in the same way as a blood donation but then goes through a centrifugal process to separate the plasma/platelets and then the blood is returned to you after this process. In the good old days you would have a needle in each arm, but there is only one needle now.
Sadly I had to stop being a blood donor 5 years ago when during the pre-OP for a kidney stone procedure, they noticed a heart murmur. This turned out to be aortic regurgitation caused by slight calcification of the aortic valve. I have no symptoms and take no medication for it but they told me I wouldn't be accepted as a donor.
Bless you df and anyone else who donates. Someone very close to me recently needed a plasma transfusion at bdgh. It is indeed a beautiful thing to do and I am humbled. Alas medication I take prevents me donating anything but I am thankful those who can do.
Morning all Just like to say I work at capitol park for the NHSBT as a driver. I would just like to thank everyone who donates blood & platelets. It may seem like a small thing to do but it saves lives every day. Well done! If you can donate please do. Thankyou!
I’ve just had to stop donating, on a new cholesterol drug. Surprised how sad that made me. I’d encourage any out there to give blood, a simple easy positive step to take. Give it a go.
The was very definitely a lady donating yesterday on the next chair to me. It does depend on your height and weight, and my wife can't donate, but being female doesn't definitely exclude you.
OK, I'll double check that then but it said on the NHS website that they were only using male plasma https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/how-blood-is-used/blood-components/plasma/
