I started work last year for Velindre NHS Trust one of the divisions is the Welsh Blood Service. I had often thought of donating but never quite got around to it so last year when the local collections lorry was due I booked in. I’m not particulalry squeamish or worried about needles but I do have low blood pressure and they had trouble finding anything in my left arm, but the right was fine. I have donated twice now and so far had no problems.
A few weeks ago I visitied a colleague at the Blood Service and had an impropu mini tour of the site, it’s amazing how much work goes on and what is involved in processing, sreening, testing and preparing the donations.