Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

pinkclouds

Could anyone please tell me if potential donors are weighed before being accepted (to give blood) or do they just take your word for it?

(I am within the "healthy" BMI range, if you're curious - I'm just short!)

Rikki

pinkclouds wrote: »

Could anyone please tell me if potential donors are weighed before being accepted (to give blood) or do they just take your word for it?

(I am within the "healthy" BMI range, if you're curious - I'm just short!)

If they feel you look below the minimum weight they could weigh you.

Giving blood is dependent on many factors, you could call them and ask before going along. 0300 123 23 23

hebe

I'm O neg and have registered, but am having a really hard time finding a suitable clinic to give at. My two year old is in childcare two mornings a week, and "short-stay" childcare is available to me on other mornings, so I was hoping to go one morning. Although there are loads of clinics around here they all only do afternoon or evening appointments which I can't do unless I book a babysitter as my dh works long hours. The nearest place that does morning appointments is 20 miles away and I don't really want to be that far away from home (and nursery) the first time I donate, as all I'd need would be traffic delays and I wouldn't be back in time to collect my daughter.

I tried to be clever and book into a session near my parents, for when we're next visiting, but they're already full even though it's 6 weeks ahead. The helpline did suggest that I phone and ask for a cancellation. I feel a bit guilty grumbling about it as I know what an amazing thing it is to do, but I'm really surprised at how difficult I'm finding it to get an appointment at a suitable time. I can't be the only person who'd use morning appointments, surely?

surreysaver

hebe wrote: »

I tried to be clever and book into a session near my parents, for when we're next visiting, but they're already full even though it's 6 weeks ahead. The helpline did suggest that I phone and ask for a cancellation. I feel a bit guilty grumbling about it as I know what an amazing thing it is to do, but I'm really surprised at how difficult I'm finding it to get an appointment at a suitable time. I can't be the only person who'd use morning appointments, surely?

That's half the trouble - they complain they're always short of blood and only 4% of the population donate, but they don't actually make it that easy to donate! Perhaps if you could book it like going to the dentist at local hospitals or something, they might get a better response.

hebe

I had some more paperwork through. Of 60 days of "local" sessions, only 8 sessions are morning ones and the closest one is 17miles away, which would cost me half a gallon of fuel to get there and back. I've emailed them asking if there are any plans to increase the number of morning sessions.

Pharmer

One thing that often bothers me is that I give every 3 months but would like to give every month through platelet donation. I got tested and although I had a fantastic platelet score I lost out due to my weight or height (probably just weight). On asking how much I would have had to weigh to give I was not provided with an answer. Looks like I won't every know. Maybe I'll go once I gain a stone and see if that helps...

Rikki

hebe wrote: »

I had some more paperwork through. Of 60 days of "local" sessions, only 8 sessions are morning ones and the closest one is 17miles away, which would cost me half a gallon of fuel to get there and back. I've emailed them asking if there are any plans to increase the number of morning sessions.

I always took my children with me. I had no choice.

Rikki

Pharmer wrote: »

One thing that often bothers me is that I give every 3 months but would like to give every month through platelet donation. I got tested and although I had a fantastic platelet score I lost out due to my weight or height (probably just weight). On asking how much I would have had to weigh to give I was not provided with an answer. Looks like I won't every know. Maybe I'll go once I gain a stone and see if that helps...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=32000473&postcount=803

narabanekeater

I am unable to donate myself but may I please say a big thank you to those who do?
I have 2 beautiful children who wouldnt be here without you - to this I am eternily greatful

Rikki

I'm off to give a pint of the much needed red stuff. I hope many of you are still giving too.