World Blood Donor Day, 14th June, is an event that raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. The global theme for World Blood Donor Day changes each year to recognise those who donated their blood to help save others. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, around 135,000 new donors are needed every year in England to ensure demand can be met. That’s why we are happy to lend our support to this awareness drive.
This article covers the importance of giving blood and what employers could do to support a blood donation initiative of their own.
Why give blood – and UK demand levels
Giving blood helps to provide a lifeline for countless individuals in need. Donated blood is used in major surgery as well as trauma units and to treat blood conditions such as anaemia. The demand for blood varies depending on the availability of particular blood groups. Seasonality and holidays play a factor too. Anyone who is registered with the NHS blood donation service will be familiar with reminders to donate when supplies are low. In fact, the NHS say that they need around 5,000 donations every day across England alone to meet the needs of patients. Factor in the rest of the UK and this number is probably nearer to 10,000.
What is involved?
You can donate between the ages of 17 and 66, but if you have donated before you can go aged up to 70. To donate you first need to register as a donor online and then make an appointment. Here’s a link to enable you to do this: https://my.blood.co.uk/your-account/sign-up/
Most people who donate usually give 470ml of blood – just under a pint. The process can vary in length of time, but the actual donation normally takes between 8 – 10 minutes depending on your medical history. You will need to allow time for a pre-donation screening process beforehand and a short rest afterwards. More details about the donation process can be found here: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/
How can employers help their employees give blood?
The workplace offers an ideal platform to promote blood donation. With a large number of employees involved, there’s a huge opportunity for positive impact. And everybody involved can feel proud of themselves for helping others in need. This can also help to foster a more positive work environment and culture as well as increasing employee engagement.
In the UK, many local businesses work with NHS blood donation throughout the year to host events that help recruit more donors. Often this happens because someone inside a business champions the cause of blood donation, raises awareness and communicates this internally. For larger employers the NHS can provide a mobile donation unit to visit the premises thus minimising any impact through loss of hours worked.
The NHS is always looking for new locations which could be in the community or at a large employer. This helpful page explains what you will need to know about providing a venue and shows a video about how NHS Blood and Transplant collaborated with the fire service to open a temporary blood donation centre. https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/get-involved/tips-and-guidance/suggest-a-blood-donation-venue/
Should you have a policy for giving blood?
Many organisations have people policies and, as many choose to donate blood or wish to, it could make sense to create a policy for donating blood. One reason is that, unless the donation unit visits your premises as an employer, an employee may need to take time off from work in order to donate.
Donating blood is not a legal right, but would refusal to allow someone to donate be considered as unfair? Allowing someone time off is likely to be seen as supportive and create a more engaged and motivated response. In reality, it would require only a short amount of time off to carry out an important task and make a contribution that could help others or save a life.
If you are uncertain, and want to ensure a consistent approach, a policy would be a good idea and would help line managers treat everyone in a fair and equal way.
In conclusion
Donating blood is a selfless act that many are able to do and, with support from employers, many more can contribute. Whether you enable a donation site on your premises or have a supportive policy to allow your people time off to donate, your organisation can play its part in contributing much needed blood supplies. What’s more, you’ll enhance your reputation, and it will help to portray a caring and supportive culture.
About World Blood Donor Day
Find out about the objectives behind the campaign and see some of the themes covered over previous years – some of which might inspire your own awareness drive in the workplace. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day
Get our poster for your workplace
We have produced a poster on donating blood which is designed to be displayed in the workplace. This is available free to download for members of our wellbeing subscription service. If you are not signed up to this service and would like to find out more, please contact us on wellbeing@cordellhealth.co.uk
Photo ‘Red Blood Cells’ by ANIRUDH on Unsplash.
