Every year SNBTS collects about 270,000 blood donations to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Scotland. This necessitates 340,000 donor attendances.

In addition, donors provide 14,000 platelet units through 10,000 platelet phersis donations.

SNBTS encourages everyone to give blood who is in good health between the ages of 17-70 and whose donation can be accepted according to current laws and guidelines. The average age for a first time donor is 29.

Currently less than 6% of people who live in Scotland are active blood donors, so hard work and creative initiatives are constantly needed to reach more potential donors.

Every year about 190,000 donors give not only their blood, but an immense amount of time and effort to help save or improve the lives of many patients. Everyone shares the responsibility to use the donors' gift safely, efficiently and effectively.

Contact: Jennifer Wilson, National Donor Publicity Manager
Tel: 0131 536 5401
Email: jennifer.wilson@snbts.csa.scot.nhs.uk