BP News

Giving Blood

Last year with all the uncertainty about the future of Hitchin Town Hall, we were approached by the National Blood Service to see if the Theatre might be a suitable venue for blood donation. There followed various surveys to establish if there is enough space, enough power points, no steps for loading, good access, adequate temperature control and so on. A schedule of dates was agreed and the first session was held on March 10.

What happens is that two very large vans arrive and disgorge their contents into the theatre. Apart from tables and beds there are large wheeled cages about 3 feet square and 6 high which carry all the bits needed. This happens with great efficiency - the 16 or so staff know exactly which bit they're responsible for - and it all moves into the theatre. The wide sliding doors help. The auditorium is set out with 8 beds and the rest table; somehow it all fits into the space; the stage isn't used at all. The empty cages are then “lost” around the theatre. This all takes about half an hour and the staff then have their breakfast before the first session opens. The reception desk is in the foyer facing the sliding doors. The bar is the waiting area. The four privacy cubicles where donors are interviewed are at the coffee bar end. The times vary between arriving at 8.15, opening at 9.30, closing at 4.30 and leaving around 5.30. Alternatively they arrive at 11am, run afternoon and evening sessions leaving around 9.30pm. At their last late session 180 people turned up and they bled 154. I looked in at around 5.30 and the bar area was packed solid. The NBS staff were exhausted by the end and they certainly didn't leave at 9.30. I was told that the number of donors was about twice what they had expected. Generally business is steady rather than frenetic but it's difficult to predict how may donors will turn up.

We have another 7 sessions this year and 16 booked for next year. I'm pleased to see many members of the Society giving blood so, if you aren't a donor, give it some thought. I was a regular until I was cut off in my prime at 70 having donated more or less continually since 1953. It just takes a half hour of your time - up to 3 times a year - but there are no side effects and your blood level recovers within a day or two. And you might save someone's life.