There will be BLOOD (From Oxford Mail)

There will be BLOOD

3:13pm Tuesday 5th August 2008 in

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It takes less than an hour and can save three lives every time you do it, writes Fran Bardsley. Oxfordshire hospitals get through 31,500 units of blood every year - yet just four per cent of the population gives blood.

So, for the second time in two years, I decided to roll up my sleeve, forget my lifelong needle phobia and donate a pint of the red stuff.

Blood donation sessions are held throughout Oxfordshire every day of the week, with daily appointments available at the Oxford Donor Centre, at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

I went to a session at West Oxford Community Centre, where I joined more than 100 people giving up their time - and blood - to a team from the National Blood Service.

Over the course of an hour, four staff took me through the process.

Before I was allowed anywhere near the dreaded needles, I had to answer a series of questions, to ensure that I was physically fit to give blood and that it was unlikely I had come into contact with any disease which could make my blood unusable.

Despite admitting taking a painkiller earlier in the morning and a fair bit of travelling, albeit not in areas where malaria is prevalent, I passed the test, along with a pin-prick to check my haemoglobin levels were sufficient and I was fit and healthy enough.

They were, so I was told to wait to be called to one of several beds in the hall.

Surrounding me were those waiting to give blood, and a few enjoying tea and biscuits having already donated - all looking reassuringly happy, healthy and comfortable.

When my name was called, donor carer Joy Manley made sure I was comfortable before donor carer and venopuncturist Deane Collier came to take the donation.

Last time I gave blood, it took several people to find a useable vein before they went in - but with Mr Collier it was much more straightforward, with little more than a quick swab, a scratchy feeling as the needle went in and then just waiting for the heart to do its job, pump the blood around my body and fill the 470ml bag.

Most people take between five and six minutes to give blood, and the cut off point is 15 minutes - after which there is a small risk of clotting.

During my first donation, I gave my pint in four minutes, 20 seconds - but for the second one, it took nearly three times as long - 11 minutes, 39 seconds. But still, in less than the time it takes to cook a pizza, I had done my bit - and as before, despite an embarrassingly high level of nerves, the procedure was painless, simple and left me feeling pretty good about myself - if a little woozy.

The care doesn't end once they've taken your blood - you are not allowed to get up from the bed until the staff are sure you are recovered.

You are invited to enjoy soft drinks, tea, biscuits, crisps and even cake before leaving.

I am the kind of person who cringes behind the sofa if a needle comes on the TV but I have nothing but positive feelings about my experience of giving blood. If I can do it, anyone can.