Changes could be in the pipeline for blood donors

The sessions affected by the proposal are only those served by the Hertfordshire ‘bloodmobile’, which visits workplaces and community venues in the county.

The proposed changes do not affect other blood donation sessions at venues such as church and village halls.

If the proposed changes go ahead, donors who are affected will be invited to donate at an alternative community session near their home.

The local review forms part of NHS Blood and Transplant’s 2020 Blood Supply Strategy.

Director of blood donation Mike Stredder said: “We are writing to blood donors who have attended our Hertfordshire bloodmobile sessions to let them know we may make changes to where they donate in the future.

“We are very grateful to all those who give up their time to donate blood. Their generosity helps save and improve the lives of patients across the country.

“We hope donors understand how important it is to the wider NHS that we collect blood from donors as efficiently as possible and that this may sometimes mean making changes to local programmes.

“By holding blood donation sessions at larger venues, rather than a three-bed bloodmobile, we can deliver better value for the NHS. We can also offer more appointments and generally have more space, which can make it more comfortable for some of our donors.

“I would like to reassure all donors that, if we do go ahead and make changes, we will write to them to let them know where else they can donate.”