NHS Blood and Transplant (Give Blood)

The NHS Blood and Transplant website provides information about giving blood. You can arrange to donate blood and find out about local sessions.  Men can give blood every 12 weeks and women can give blood every 16 weeks.

Some blood types are in higher demand from hospitals than others.  For example, it’s estimated that around 8% of people have O negative blood, but O negative makes up 13% of requests from hospitals. This is because anyone can receive the red cells from O negative donors. So O negative red cells can be used in emergencies or when a person’s blood type in unknown. Sometimes they need to target specific blood types to increase stock levels. That’s why they may call regular donors with the particular blood type they need and ask them to give blood.

Sessions are run across Newcastle or the main Newcastle donation centre is located on Holland Drive which is open for appointments and walk-in sessions.  Visit their website to find out how to prepare to donate blood.