Do you live in the ML5 or ML6 postcodes?

As you may be aware, NHS Lanarkshire and Health Protection Scotland are currently managing an outbreak of hepatitis A in Lanarkshire. To ensure the safety of Scotland’s blood supply we have put a temporary restriction on donations for donors living in the affected areas.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which leads to inflammation of the liver and can cause mild to severe illness. The infection clears with time and usually there are no long-term effects. A very small proportion of people infected with Hepatitis A could develop serious complications.

We are working with Health Protection Scotland to ensure the outbreak does not spread further through blood donation. Therefore we are asking donors whose postcodes start with ML5 or ML6 not to donate for the next six weeks. If you live in these areas and receive an invitation to donate in the next couple of weeks, please disregard this.

We will also be cancelling two scheduled community collection sessions in Coatbridge on the 7^th and 8^th June.

Please be reassured that these are simply precautionary measures and are in place temporarily to help ensure the outbreak does not spread.

• If you are concerned or have any questions about Hepatitis A, please visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hepatitis-A
• Or call the dedicated helpline for NHS Lanarkshire on 0800 028 2816 (open daily from 8am to 10pm).