Five reasons donations dip in autumn

We can't deny it any longer. We've put the central heating on, there’s a nip in the air and the nights are fair drawing in. Summer is officially over and winter is sneaking up.

Blood, plasma and platelet donations are essential all year round to support patients in hospital. Yet, did you know that donations can decrease by up to 20% in the colder months?

Here are our top five reasons why donations can dip in Autumn, and a reminder why making your appointment in the coming weeks is very important.

Daylight saving

Shorter days and less sunlight can take a big hit on our energy levels. This can mean it's that bit harder to drag yourself out of bed in the morning - and it can also impact on the number of people coming to our sessions. We know it might not seem appealing to leave your cosy home but we are so grateful to everyone who makes that extra special effort.  

Keep tabs on your jabs

Winter is coming, which may mean you are receiving a vaccine - but the good news is it doesn't usually affect your eligibility to donate for long, if at all.

• If you've had the flu vaccine, you can give blood straight away as long as you feel fit and well and have had no adverse side effects
• If you've had the Covid vaccine, in most cases you can book in to give blood 48hrs after your jab

Keeping blood collection safe

Coughs, colds, flu, sickness bugs while it's possible to be affected by these all year round, they seem to be particularly common at this time of year. If you're feeling a bit under the weather, it’s best to take a break from giving blood. For coughs and colds we ask you to wait until you’re recovered and feeling well. For sickness, diarrhoea and other infections you must make sure you're fully recovered for at least two weeks. Our medical team are happy to help with any questions you might have about our medical criteria. Please contact us or give us a ring on 0345 90 90 999.

Epic telly

Believe it or not, if there’s something particularly good on the box, it can affect how likely people are to come and give blood. A big football match or even the latest must-watch series on TV can have a real impact how many people walk through our doors. If our opening times conflict with your viewing schedule we recommend the following steps:

• Download that episode of Colin from Accounts before it falls off catch-up
• Avoid clicking on Slow Horses spoilers - step away from the smartphone
• Give blood
• Binge watch without guilt as a reward for saving lives

Scottish weather

The temperature difference between Scottish summer and Scottish winter may only be about 5°C, but winter in Scotland certainly brings its own challenges. We work hard to make sure all sessions go ahead as scheduled, but Mother Nature can throw the occasional curve ball. We will only cancel a session due to the weather as a last resort, and if it has been judged too dangerous to ask people to travel. We make sure our website session finder, Facebook and Twitter pages are updated with the relevant info and that all donors invited to the session are directly informed about the changes as soon as possible. To make sure there is no delay contacting you, please give us your up to date contact details.

Remember, remember to give by September

We know Christmas is just around the corner, and many of our generous donors prefer to give during the festive season. If you're one of our regular donors, please remember that you can only donate every 12 weeks.

To ensure you can donate during the holiday period, you’ll need to make your next donation before the end of September. This timing will allow you to be eligible to donate again by Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support.

 

• Any questions?  Get in touch - we'd love to help.  Call us on 0345 90 90 999, or give us a shout online.