Blood donation - the need is too great to ignore

Ulster Unionist health spokesperson, John McCallister MLA, has joined UUP MLA for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan, in calling for a cultural shift around blood donation - "the need is too great, and too close to home, to ignore".

"Given that just 7% of those eligible to donate blood actually do so on a regular basis, it is clear that we need to take this a lot more seriously. Blood donation must become a community expectation, rather than an exceptional act.

Speaking after it was revealed that the recent cold snap brought blood bank levels perilously low, Danny Kinahan said that the events of last week brought the urgency of need home to roost.

"We as political representatives must lead by example, which is why I have spoken to Department of Health officials about bringing a blood donation event to Parliament Buildings.

"This is not just about a one-off gesture, we need to dramatically increase regular donor numbers as, quite honestly, none of us know when we might owe our lives to their contribution.

"Last week's attack on police officer Paedar Heffron, and his subsequent leg amputation, illustrates just how vital blood donation is. Each and every day there are people across the province suffering major traumas and requiring life saving treatment.

"Members of our own families, during surgical procedures and as part of cancer treatment - as well as premature babies - may need to draw on blood donations. This is an issue that has touched or will touch the vast majority of the population, yet most people in Northern Ireland - while they would gratefully receive - simply don't give."

UUP health spokesperson John McCallister said that that the margin between what is available and what is needed is "too close for comfort".

"We're talking somewhere in the region of 500 people in Northern Ireland alone needed blood each week, with 300 people a day needed donate to meet that need.

"While the bad weather in recent weeks made the case more urgent, there is clearly an underlying issue around the 'normality' of being a blood donor. I would urge anyone who just hasn't got around to giving, or is nervously hanging back, to consider being a blood donor. Your donation could literally mean the difference between life and death for someone.

"The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service operates three mobile units at around 300 locations throughout the province, so there should be no problem finding a convenient time or location. Visit the Ulster Unionist Party website - www.uup.org - and click on the link for blood donation to find out where and when your nearest donation sessions are being held. Otherwise, for more information, telephone 0500 534 666 or log on to www.nibts.org."