Question S5O-00408  23/11/2016

Clare asked:

‘To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to encourage more blood donations over the festive period.’

Answered by Aileen Campbell MSP 30/11/2016

Aileen Campbell MSP responded:

‘Each year the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service – (SNBTS) – makes robust plans to raise awareness of the need for blood donations during the festive season and maintain supplies of blood across Scotland.

To ensure they maintain support from blood donors, SNBTS employs various strategies to boost the public response. For example:

Throughout the period, SNBTS will be contacting existing donors to build supplies of each of the eight major blood groups to maintain their target stock levels.

As O Negative is the only blood group that can be given to everyone in an emergency, donors of this blood group will receive special letters asking them to make an extra special effort to give blood.

A television campaign commenced on 28 November 2016, supported by a digital campaign. This aims to boost attendances and recruit new donors.

SNBTS is also working with gyms in the central belt to encourage people to make giving blood their New Year resolution and promote giving blood as part of healthy living.

I would like to thank all donors for their support. New, committed donors are obviously important to safeguard blood supplies and I would encourage everyone who can to participate.’