Leading organisations in England are implementing ‘Donate Breaks’ to alleviate the blood shortage crisis.
- The NHS has called for increased donations, especially O negative and ‘Ro’ blood types.
- A survey indicates 43% of donors prefer to donate during work hours if given time off.
- The initiative encourages appointments at local blood donation centres to boost accessibility.
- Companies aim to inspire a culture of giving, tracking lives saved through these contributions.
In response to England’s ongoing blood shortage, numerous prominent organisations have committed to implementing ‘Donate Breaks’ for employees. This initiative allows workers to take designated time off during their workday to donate blood, a crucial move urged by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
The NHS is on a mission to increase blood stocks, particularly of the O negative and Black heritage ‘Ro’ blood types. An Amber Alert issued in July highlighted a severe shortage of O negative blood, worsened by a cyber-attack that crippled the cross-matching systems in major London hospitals earlier this year. As a result, hospitals were restricted to using O negative blood, which is universally safe for any patient when the blood type is unknown. Regrettably, the repercussions of this have persisted, intensifying the need for these specific donors.
Research by NHSBT reveals a potential increase in donations if employees are granted time off, with 43% of respondents expressing willingness to donate under such conditions. This figure rises to 65% among individuals aged 25-44, underlining the effectiveness of ‘Donate Breaks’ in encouraging participation.
The necessity for Black heritage donors, who possess the ‘Ro’ subtype, is becoming increasingly urgent. Only about 2% of donors have this type, yet approximately 55% of individuals from Black Caribbean and Black African communities carry it, essential for sickle cell treatment. The NHS can currently meet only half of the required blood for sickle cell patients, supplementing the deficit with O negative donations.
Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, commended the businesses involved, stating, “Their commitment sets a powerful example of how businesses can play a crucial role in supporting public health and fostering a culture of giving within their organisations.” NHSBT urges those who know their O negative or ‘Ro’ blood type to make appointments to donate as the need remains critical this autumn and winter.
Minister for Patient Safety, Baroness Merron, expressed her approval, highlighting the simplicity and impact of blood donation: “Registering to donate blood is a simple yet powerful way to save lives, and I am delighted that so many businesses are stepping up to support their employees to give blood.”
Participating companies prompt employees to book blood donation appointments during weekday mornings or afternoons. The initiative not only seeks to replenish blood reserves but also allows companies to monitor how many lives their employees have helped save. Employees are encouraged to share their donation experiences on social media, further promoting the cause.
The ‘Donate Breaks’ programme is a promising step towards mitigating the current blood shortage while promoting a culture of social responsibility within businesses.
