Extra safety measures in place for West Norfolk blood donors

Further safety measures have been implemented at blood donation sessions across the country, including at those in West Norfolk.

It comes after NHS officials last week urged donors to continue donating as normal to ensure hospitals still have the stocks they need.

The extra safety measures include people now being triaged at the sessions, and donor centres being cleaned even more than usual.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need people in Norfolk who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak.

"We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority. We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.”

“A lot of people have called us asking if sessions are still going ahead. We need them to know that our sessions and donor centres are still open and that travel to a blood donation sessions is essential for the NHS.

"Blood donation is a reason to do something amazing. Blood donation saves lives."

The spokesperson added: “We’re asking donors in Norfolk to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government.

"We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.

"Donations have dropped though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations.

"We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months.

"Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there.”

To make appointment to donate or for more information, call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit www.blood.co.uk.