LOCAL PEOPLE NEEDED TO BOOST BLOOD STOCKS

The National Blood Service (NBS) has issued a call to residents of Melton Mowbray to help give a much-needed boost to a blood donor session being held in the town on Tuseday July 4th 2006 at the The Methodist Church.
12:30 to 15:00 and 16:00 to 20:00

An NBS spokesperson said: "We hope that local residents in Melton will support this session by coming forward to give blood, as we rely on them to help us meet our targets. Every person who donates really will help to save or improve someone's life, so please spare us just an hour of your time and come forward at this session."

Both new and regular donors can make appointments for the session by calling the 24-hour helpline on 0845 7 711 711.

Hospitals in Leicestershire use around 940 blood donations every week - every one of which is given by a volunteer donor. Every single donation helps to save or improve the life a hospital patient, whether it's a person suffering from a serious blood disease such as leukaemia, someone undergoing surgery, or an accident and emergency case.

Notes:
1. The NHS needs 8,000 units of blood daily
2. Only 5% of the eligible population are active blood donors
3. One donation can help save more than one life
4. Donors can give three times per year
5. The NBS is a part of NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). NHSBT is a Special Health Authority within the NHS, responsible for managing the Bio Products Laboratory, National Blood Service and UK Transplant. NHSBT is responsible for optimising the supply of blood, organs, plasma and tissues and raising the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of blood and transplant services.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The National Blood Service

Do something amazing today - Give Blood.

Please call 0845 7 711 711.

You can visit us at www.blood.co.uk, or on BBC2,
Ceefax page 465.