NEWSNEWS ANDAND INFORMATIONINFORMATION FORFOR BLOODBLOOD DONORSDONORS WINTERWINTER 20122012
Battling for Brooke AA newnew wayway toto treattreat patientspatients
TVTV PRESENTERPRESENTER GRAHAMGRAHAM BELLBELL talkstalks aboutabout howhow importantimportant bloodblood isis Donor Helpline – 0300 123 23 23
Donor28 p01 F2.indd 1 20/11/2012 09:45 In this issue COVER STORIES 4 “It brought home to me how important blood is” Former Olympic skier Graham Bell became a donor after a friend had a serious accident and needed blood. He talks about his role in Team Give Blood 8 Don’t miss out on your Donor Make sure you still receive The Donor after it goes online next year 9 Mark goes more than the extra mile! Mark Dabbs has run more than 70 marathons, but he says his biggest achievement is helping save lives by donating blood PAGE 4 10 Helping around the world Round the world, we are helping blood services to provide safe and reliable blood 13 We know your time is precious... …so we’ve made it easier than ever to find out when you can and can’t donate 14 How donors saved Sarah Transfusions played a crucial part in helping Sarah Campling survive leukaemia 16 A new way to treat patients
STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Some patients need help to fight infection, which is where our new granulocyte PAGE 16 packs can help 18 Yes, we did it - thanks to you! Somehow we had to boost blood donation levels by 30 per cent to meet demand during the Olympic Games. But thanks to your support we reached the target 21 Love at first pint Singer Gina Murray had an unusual first date with her future husband - going to a blood donor session together 23 Just what the doctor ordered PAGE 26 Giving blood more frequently has turned out to be beneficial for donors affected by a widespread genetic condition Write and tell us 24 Behind the Donor Helpline your news, views and interesting When you call our helpline, you tap into a 24/7 service that can help you with or unusual everything from booking an appointment to advice on donating after travelling donor stories. 26 Battling for Brooke Born with a rare blood disorder, 6-year-old Brooke Cornwell needs Write to regular blood transfusions to survive. We talk to her family The Editor, The Donor, NHSBT, 28 “It’s good to know that families will Colindale Avenue, always remember us” London NW9 5BG Donated tissues save lives, but donors’ families need sensitive care, or email which is what Emma Winstanley and her team strive to provide thedonor@ Plus our regular News, Letters, Q&A, nhsbt.nhs.uk Ask The Doctor and Crossword
The cost of producing, printing and posting each copy of this magazine is less than the price of a second class stamp. The Donor is published by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of NHSBT. Larger print versions are available via the website. Design and production: Ant Creative (London). Reproduction: Portland Media (London). Printed by Polestar on 100% recycled paper.
WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 3
COVER STORY “Much like supporting “It“It suddenlysuddenly broughtbrought homehome toto Team GB in the Olympics, giving meme howhow importantimportant bloodblood is”is” blood is something What made you become a to be proud of blood donor? Well I’m an intermittent and it’s really not donor really; I have to time my donations so that they don’t a big thing” clash with the endurance events I enter like the London Marathon. I first gave blood just over ten years ago after a friend of mine had an accident and needed lots of blood to survive. It suddenly brought home to me how important blood is. You were captain of team AB negative in our Team Give Blood (Team GB ) campaign in Eight times British ski champion You have been British ski in Russia in 2014. the summer. What made you Graham Bell, at home on the ski champion eight times and What are your plans for the support Team GB? slopes represented Great Britain at future? I have had a lot of friends There was a certain air of pride the Winter Olympics five times I’ve plans for a couple of big who are what you would call about being British this summer - what has been the highlight adventures, but don’t want to adrenaline junkies, and many of and supporting Team GB in sport of your career? jinx them before they get off the them have needed blood after Former Olympic skier Graham Bell became a was a big thing, so it was only The highlight of my ski racing ground. bad accidents. It’s also good donor after a friend had a serious accident and right to support Team Give Blood career was recording the best Who is your all time hero to know that there is blood too. It was important to make British placing at Kitzbuhel, on and why? there if my family or I were to needed blood. Here he talks about his role in the sure people who relied on blood the toughest downhill course My skiing hero was Franz need it one day. It’s not just my Team Give Blood campaign this summer throughout that period got what in the world. In my presenting Klammer; I watched his Olympic thrill-seeking friends though; they needed as soon as they career, it’s been working on the winning run in 1976, and it really I also know a few people who LIFE STORY needed it. BBC winter sports adventure inspired me to be a ski racer. needed transfusions when they What message would you give show High Altitude. I teamed up You must have a busy life l 1966 – born in Cyprus on January 4th at lost blood during childbirth and to donors or anyone thinking of with snowboarder Ed Leigh and working and bringing up two Akrotiri Royal Air Force station where his friends who received blood becoming one? we took on some really tough children; how do you like to family were based during cancer treatment. Much like supporting Team GB challenges like cross country relax? l 1971 – moved to Scotland aged five when The Team GB campaign in the Olympics, giving blood is skiing across Greenland and To be fair my wife Sarah has his father was posted to Edinburgh which is helped us hit our target of something to be proud of and it’s speed skiing at 120mph. done most of the childcare while where he developed his love for skiing 30,000 extra blood donations to really not a big thing. Everyone is What current projects are you I have spent my time racing l 1984 – Won silver medal at the World Junior Ski Championships prepare for the Olympics. How very supportive whenever I go to working on? very fast down mountains. I l 1984-1998 – Represented Great Britain at five Winter Olympics: does that feel? give blood and you don’t need I will be presenting Ski Sunday am now getting my daughter Sarajevo, Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer and Nagano It was great to see people to be an ironman to do it, it’s just this winter and I’m looking into sports like free-skiing and l Graham is a patron of several UK charities including the Caring respond the way they did and like having a bit of a sit down, forward to working on the next climbing which is a fun thing to Cancer Trust, Disability Snowsport and Ski 4 Cancer help support the whole country. with a cup of tea afterwards. Winter Olympic Games in Sochi do together. l l He lives in Henley-on-Thames with his wife and two children. l 4 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 5 News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Update • News Council partnership launched Pilot scheme takes off Thank you for your tremendous support e joined forces e’ve launched a pilot stock elcome to the winter issue of a combination of bad Wwith Dudley Wmanagement project to help us WThe Donor magazine. weather disrupting donor Council this year to make better use of your donations. The It was an incredible summer of sport and sessions and donors being encourage more scheme is looking at how blood is delivered I am sure you were all gripped by the struck down with colds and people to give blood to and used by hospitals, getting answers to superb performances in the Olympic and flu. We very much hope and to join the NHS questions like what are the right stock levels Paralympic Games. you all stay fit and well and, Organ Donor Register and number of deliveries each day, and In the build up to the summer we launched if able, will make and keep (ODR). how to minimise wastage. The scheme also a campaign to raise blood stocks by 30 per your date to donate. Dudley is the second aims to reduce paperwork for hospital staff, cent above normal and I have to say a massive As we come to the end of a very memorable year, council in the country to sign up to a partnership with NHSBT. lower costs and help improve stock control thank you to you all for helping us reach that it gives me the opportunity to thank you all for your Dudley residents fall below the national averages for both active in hospital blood banks. target. It was due to your dedication that we support and loyalty throughout 2012 and I wish you all blood donors and people signed up to the NHS ODR. Councillor So far, two pilots are being carried were able to maintain the vital supply of life- health and happiness over the festive season. Steve Waltho says, “This is a potentially life saving agreement. out at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and saving blood to hospitals. We hope this will encourage more people to sign up.” Royal Bournemouth Hospital. We’re Our focus now turns to the winter months, Lynda Hamlyn Sally Johnson from NHS Blood and Transplant says, “As a also looking at data from more hospitals. the season, when blood stocks fall through Chief Executive trusted organisation, the Council will help us to reach out to It is the first step of a key part of our people in the Dudley area and make them aware of the need for five-year strategy to further improve and more blood and organ donors.” l modernise our service. l More young donors needed A really big challenge 7,000 blood tuart Vince, 36, and he number of 17 and 18-year-olds Phil Jackson, 45, set donations every day. becoming blood donors has fallen off on an incredible dramatically over the last ten years and S T multi-marathon and sea this year has seen fewer new recruits than ever, You’re just as important challenge on Sunday May despite our summer campaign. 20th with the hope of ‘Yes, we did it - thanks to you’. Read about To get the numbers back up again we have getting people to join the our summer campaign and how you launched a campaign aimed at young people, NHS Organ Donor Register helped to make it a success. Pages 18 & 19. with the target of 100,000 donor registrations (ODR) and raise money for Queen Alexandra Hospital in Life changing career opportunities in 100 days. The campaign will involve a whole Portsmouth and Southampton General Hospital. range of activity from press adverts and news You’re already helping us to save lives, but have you thought about The Big Donor Challenge saw them run a punishing total Altruistic living donation stories to accessing social media through joining us? You don’t need to have medical or scientific experience of 11 marathons in 11 days from Portsmouth to Land’s End, ohan Stegers has become the UK’s Twitter and Facebook. We will also have adverts for a lot of our roles, because we’ll give you all the training and then begin the return journey by sea kayak. Due to severe support you need. (In fact, some of our donor carers started off as 100th altruistic living kidney donor. running on national and regional radio plus weather they had to abandon the kayaking after two days donors.) We recruit to a variety of roles including laboratory support Altruistic donation, which became we’ll be using the music-streaming service, J and resorted to cycling and running. posts, drivers, registered nurses, consultants and administrators, as legal in 2006, involves donors making a Spotify. Since he donated a kidney to a young friend, Stuart well as donor carers. You could be a valued member of our team in a living organ donation to someone they do NHSBT’s Jon Latham says, “We have seen has tirelessly set about raising awareness of the ODR, friendly, forward thinking environment – and enjoy a great range of not know. Johan, from Uckfield, says,“It is a marked downturn in 17 and 18-year-olds NHS benefits too. but this huge challenge of running 277 miles (almost 11 human nature to want to help if you can. coming forward to donate for the first time. So take a look at our website to see what you could do: marathons) and rowing and cycling all the way back was his Speaking for myself as a single person, So we are appealing for people who have biggest yet. we are maybe a good source of donors sons, daughters or grandchildren who are old www.nhsbtcareers.co.uk Their journey, which ended on June 8th, has inspired to strangers. Two friends and my cousin enough to give blood but haven’t yet become hundreds of people to join the ODR and raised £10,000 for Saving lives together have had transplants. It has transformed donors, to encourage them to come along.” l the hospitals. l their lives.” l
6 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 7 DIGITAL MEDIA Don’t miss out onon youryour DonorDonor
e hope you enjoy Donors now have many more ways to stay in touch reading The Donor, and spread the word about blood donation Wwhether online or in print. But for those of you who still you go along to give blood, but we donor number which is printed receive a printed version, this is the will no longer be posting printed on your donor card or session last issue we will be sending you. magazines out to donors. invitation letter. Starting next summer, The Donor The good news is, the layout and Don’t forget, while you’re is becoming an online magazine. content of the online version is the waiting for the next copy of The The money saved in paper same as the printed version, is easy Donor, you can keep up with what’s and distribution will be put to to navigate and has useful links to happening on our campaigns good use in frontline care of NHS our website. and read stories of how your patients. And by our going (almost) If you are not already registered blood helps patients by liking our paperless, the environment will to receive The Donor online, and Facebook page (www.facebook. benefit too. wish to start receiving it, please com/NHSBlood) or following us Printed copies of The Donor will complete the form at www.blood. on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ still be available at sessions when co.uk/donor. You’ll need your GiveBloodNHS) . l FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/NHSBlood www.facebook.com/organdonationuk TWITTER http://twitter.com/GiveBloodNHS http://twitter.com/NHSBT The Donor NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR BLOOD DONORS
is now online WINTER 2012 FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF This edition of The Donor is now available Love at first pint via email. If you would like to receive Mother, rock singer and West End star Gina Murray (centre) has recently The Donor and other communications from collected her bronze award following her tenth blood donation. Gina, her sister Mazz (right), and co-singer Emma Kershaw (left) perform us by email in future, please complete the together as the band, Woman, and were this year’s opening act at the Isle of online form at www.blood.co.uk/donor. Wight festival. Battling for Brooke Gina was initially introduced to blood donation by her husband, Gary, a You will need your donor number, A new way to treat regular donor who has already reached his quarter century in pints. In fact, one patients of their first dates was actually at a blood donation centre and she has donated printed on your donor card and session ever since. “It was a very weird first date,” Gina says, “but then neither of us is very conventional and we both love the feeling we get after donating.” invitation letters. TVTV PRESENTERPRESENTER GRAHAMGRAHAM BELLBELL Gina adds, ”I have encouraged as many people as I can to donate and extol talkstalks aboutabout howhow importantimportant bloodblood isis the virtues of blood donation to anyone that will listen.” You can find out more about Woman at www.womantheband.com l www.blood.co.uk/donor Donor Helpline – 0300 123 23 23 FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF Donor28 p01 F2.indd 1 RT PHOTOGRAPHY
8 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 20/11/2012 09:45 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 9 GLOBAL NEWS
the 500 donor beds that we’ve were happy to share our expertise replaced with new donor chairs. “up to 30 different with them. HelpingHelping aroundaround thethe worldworld These beds will be put to good use by blood transfusion services in a European Blood European alliance lood transfusion happens Patients here can rely on safe blood being number of African countries. GBF Alliance (EBA) Nearer to home, we are a member locally but every donor is available when they need it, but other countries has recently funded a shipment of the European Blood Alliance, Bpart of a 500 million strong of equipment to the Zimbabwe’s member blood a voluntary group of not-for- donor community worldwide. In are not so fortunate. Round the world, we are blood transfusion service which profit blood services that works to this country, donation is safe and helping blood services to provide safe and reliable should arrive around Christmas or services have promote safe and secure supplies of secure and patients can rely on blood for those who need it most New Year. shared their blood, tissues and cells for Europe. blood being available when they GBF takes financial donations Steve Morgan says, “We were a need it. Elsewhere often it’s another Steve Morgan from our our experts made their first visit to too, and if you are interested in knowledge and founder member of the European story, with countries struggling on International Services department Malawi. supporting its work you can find Blood Alliance (EBA) when it limited resources and expertise says, “We have a real desire to meet Over the past 18 months, we out more online at the address at ideas in order was created in 1998. Since then, to provide a reliable and sufficient our social responsibility, here and have also been working with the the end of the article. up to 30 different EBA member blood service for their people. abroad.” Ugandan Blood Transfusion Service to improve their blood services have shared their For many years we have and the Ugandan Red Cross. The World Cup in Brazil performance” knowledge and ideas in order to recognised our responsibility to Health goals Ugandans recently visited us to Meanwhile, Brazil has been improve their performance. help countries in the developing The World Health Organisation, see our facilities and meet donor learning from us about preparing help with their planning. Huge “Collaboration really works world to improve their blood WHO, wants to cut HIV recruiters, collection staff and for the impact of the World Cup in international events always pose well in this non-competitive donation services and in 2009 we transmission, maternal mortality managers to see what they could 2014 and Rio’s Olympics in 2016. a challenge to services, and fresh environment, and we have played decided to offer long-term funding learn from them to improve their Hemorio, the blood service for from our successful planning for a leading role in a number of to help support these services in “We have a own services. Rio de Janeiro, met us in July for the 2012 Olympics in London we influential working groups. Our developing countries. real desire to Global Blood Fund Did you Know? meet our social In many low-income countries, Malawi’s Olympics boost the facilities and resources needed We knew we would need • The world record for the responsibility, for safe blood donation are not more donors to come forward largest blood donation session there. Too often the concept of here and abroad” before the Olympics this was in Mumbai in April 2010 voluntary blood donation is resisted summer, so it was good to when over 25,000 donations and malarial anaemia in the by local people. That means more have the Malawian Olympic were made in a single day. developing countries, and we are paid donors, or patients having team taking time out of their • Denmark has the highest making our own contribution to depend on relatives to donate busy training schedule to urge consumption of blood per head of towards these goals through our when they need it. Neither of these people to give blood ahead of population and also the highest work in Malawi and Uganda. are reliable sources of safe blood. the Games. donation frequency in Europe. In Malawi we are concentrating Testing is not always possible, The athletes, who went on About 5 per cent of the adult on ensuring that voluntary raising the risk of HIV and other to compete in swimming and population give blood, compared donation continues when children infections being transmitted. running events, were based at to about 1 per cent in the UK. leave education; a lot of blood The Global Blood Fund (GBF) the University of Gloucester. • According to the World Health collection happens in schools and promotes voluntary donation and Staff from NHSBT went to Organisation, about 92 million the lines of communication tend to is helping blood collection agencies see them in July after they blood donations are collected break down once students leave. A build pools of voluntary donors in agreed to be advocates for blood donation, especially encouraging black and minority ethnic (BME) donors to worldwide every year through three-year co-operation agreement Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and come forward. Their support was much appreciated. approximately 8,000 blood between the Malawian Blood South America. We support its NHSBT’s Theo Clarke says, “It was especially fitting that the Malawian Olympic Team are supporters of blood centres in 159 countries. l Transfusion Service and NHSBT work by providing equipment donation after the work we have done to provide advice and support to the Malawian blood service.”l started in June when a team of that we no longer need here, like
10 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 11 DONATING experts have participated in a Our organisations were two of the latest technological developments number of EBA “flying squads”, founder members of the Alliance right across the blood supply chain. We know your time is precious… which have helped countries like of Blood Operators (ABO) in 2002, Overall, promoting blood Malta and Estonia improve their together with the Canadian Blood donation and ensuring safe ack in 2006/07, 12 per …which is why we’ve made it easier than ever to services.” Service and American Red Cross. supplies really is a global effort. cent of donors at our find out when you can and can’t give blood and Planning and forecasting To find out more about the Bblood donor sessions were Links Down Under are vital for running a safe and work of the Global Blood Fund deferred. Since then we have been help you avoid an unplanned deferral On the other side of the world, we efficient blood service, and we have or if you would like to make working hard to address this. The have strong links with the Australian benefitted from ARCBS’s “horizon a donation, please visit figure now stands at 10 per cent session in order to find out. of the most common reasons for Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS). scanning” reports which look at www.globalbloodfund.org. l but we want to do more to bring deferrals, making it easier to double it down even further. In this feature Better information check before you head off to your we will guide you on when to defer We know that being turned away next session. Working in Uganda yourself or seek advice from our from a blood donor session is To help those who are turned NHSBT’s Alison Meardon visited Uganda in February with Donor Helpline. frustrating and means you are less away, we have produced a new other staff members to help with training donor carers. likely to return, so we are trying range of information leaflets. Every Reasons to defer They did a “training day for trainers” in Kampala, guiding hard to make our guidelines clear. donor who is deferred will receive 20 people who will go on to train the blood service staff of One of the most common reasons There’s a section on our a leaflet explaining why they were about 300. Alison says of her ten-day visit, “My highlight for deferral is travel to areas where website www.blood.co.uk which not able to give blood and when was just the whole experience, getting the opportunity to blood-borne diseases are endemic. highlights the top reasons why they can next return to donate. go and see blood collection in a developing country and For example, you have to wait for donors are turned away, including Please check to feel that I had made a difference. I realised there is a six months after returning from recent piercings, being on a lot we take for granted back home and we shouldn’t. Now malarial areas before you can hospital waiting list and/or Please remember, if you are unsure we’re looking at ways to keep in touch with donors; most donate. Recently we changed the undergoing medical tests. if you can donate or have answered of them are school children guidelines for West Nile Virus, so The FAQs section will help to ‘yes’ to any of the questions on the who live in remote villages. if you have travelled to an affected erase some of the myths around Donor Health Check, our team are “We’ll be providing Open air donation area you no longer need to wait giving blood such as donating on hand to help. ongoing support to Uganda, sessions are made four weeks from your return, unless shortly after exercise. And our Contact the 24 hour donor possible thanks to we’re keeping in touch.” The you’ve been unwell or diagnosed new appointment cards offer a list helpline on 0300 123 23 23. l the mobile blood overseas work isn’t stopping with the infection. collection team there though for Alison. If you have a cold, chesty cough, Deferral checklist sore throat or active cold sore, “Our next big focus is on Eight reasons to check if you can donate work in Malawi.” l please wait until you have recovered before donating. Also you cannot FEEL UNWELL ANTIBIOTICS donate if you are taking antibiotics Chesty cough/cold or an active Taking a course or completed a and you will need to wait for a week cold sore? course in the past seven days? after finishing the treatment before DENTAL WORK CARDIOVASCULAR you are able to give blood again. Any visit to a dentist, any Have you got or had any heart If you have had a filling then we procedure or seen a hygienist in conditions? advise you to wait 24 hours before the past seven days? ON HOSPITAL WAITING LIST donating blood and at least a week INFECTION Or currently undergoing medical if you have had any extractions. Within the past two weeks? tests? Another factor that may affect TRAVEL PIERCINGS/TATTOOS your ability to give blood is your Travelled outside the UK Any new piercings or tattoos in haemoglobin level. This cannot be (including business) within the the past four months? predicted or screened for over the past six months? phone so you will need to come to a
12 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 13 PATIENT STORY
Sarah says she and donor after seeing me undergoing gave her this name because she her family make the treatment. proves that there is life after cancer most of every day “Donors saved my life, if it wasn’t - she is our little miracle.” for them I wouldn’t be here.” Sarah went into remission in June Love, strength and hope 2007, but continued treatment Every day is seen as a blessing. Sarah and then went for regular check says, “I do see things differently. If I ups. She is still having annual get a chance to do something I do it appointments. then. We go on holidays whenever we can and do things now, we Surprise in store don’t delay. I had a tattoo done, The couple were told they wouldn’t I’d thought about it before but this be able to have any more children spurred me on. It’s on my back and it due to the aggressive treatment, says love, strength and hope, which but Sarah fell pregnant again and “Donors saved my life, is what got me through the illness. now they are a family of five, with I make the most of life. I am back Abigail eight, Natasha six, and if it wasn’t for them I to normal, although I sometimes surprise addition Isabella, three. wouldn’t be here” worry. But I deal with it better now.” Sarah said: “When I found out Sarah’s simple message for I was pregnant it was a complete of the treatment, I was worried it blood donors is, “I hope they realise shock after being told that I might affect the baby. Thankfully what a wonderful thing they do. wouldn’t be able to conceive; it was Isabella was perfectly healthy They don’t have to do it, they do it
How donors saved Sarah RT PHOTOGRAPHY the last thing on my mind. despite coming two weeks early. because they want to and it really arah Campling was just a Blood transfusions played a crucial part “I was then very scared because “Her middle name is Hope, we does make a difference.” l normal, busy mum-of-two Swhen she started to feel in helping Sarah Campling What is Leukaemia? unwell, back in 2006. She wasn’t survive a deadly type of leukaemia Leukaemia is cancer of the white too worried, but after six months blood cells. Acute leukaemia of constantly feeling under the which meant being admitted to “I received about 20 units of means progression is rapid and weather she found a lump in her hospital for weeks at a time, with blood and platelets altogether. aggressive, with immediate breast. She was shocked to be told sometimes only a few days at home It could be once or twice a week, treatment required. she had acute myeloid leukaemia. between sessions. Her husband, or none for a week or two – it just It is classified according to the “It was devastating,” she says, Stuart, two-year-old Abigail and depended what I needed. I’d feel a type of white blood cells affected ”I was a mum to two little girls, 13-month-old Natasha stayed at million times better afterwards. by cancer. The two main cell types who were still babies really, and the home but visited when possible. “Once I really needed some are myeloid, which have a number thought of not being with them... Sarah says, “It was really hard blood and could hardly walk. I of immune system functions, and my world was turned upside being away from home and the received it before the children came lymphocytes which chiefly fight down.” kids. A few times I couldn’t see and I literally ran to see them - it had viral infections. them for a couple of weeks which that much impact.” Acute leukaemia is an Chemotherapy was really tough.” Sarah lost Sarah is really grateful to blood uncommon type of cancer. In Treatment started immediately, in her hair and felt drained by the donors, and Stuart became a donor the UK, around 7,600 people April 2007, and Sarah spent much chemotherapy. during her treatment after seeing are diagnosed each year with of the following five months having A vital part of her treatment the difference it made. leukaemia. Of those, about 2,300 treatment in London - 45 miles was receiving transfusions to help She says, “I think blood donors Isabella, Natasha, Sarah and Abigail enjoying people have acute myeloid from her home in Southend. She replace the blood cells that the are amazing. My husband had playing in their garden leukaemia. l had two types of chemotherapy, chemotherapy was damaging. never given blood but he became a
14 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 15 BLOOD FACTS A new way to treat patients
ranulocytes are a type Some patients need help to fight infection, which is cancer, often suffer from a reduced of white blood cell and production of all of their blood cells, Infection-fighters Gare part of the immune where our new granulocyte packs can help including granulocytes. Patients system, helping to fight bacterial affected in this way are at greater Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that can be used to treat and fungal infections. risk of severe infection which can patients with bacterial or fungal infections or patients who have often not Patients who are short of these be treated with antibiotics until responded to other treatments. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are cells of specialist cells, or who have cells the patient’s own bone marrow the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious that don’t work properly, are at risk recovers and granulocytes disease and foreign materials. Leukocytes are found throughout the body, of severe infection. In the past these are produced. Granulocyte including the blood and lymphatic system. There are several different types transfusions are often given to of white blood cells and while they have many features in common, they “A single treatment patients who are not responding look and behave in distinctly different ways. Granulocytes are distinguished for an adult to treatment or if antibiotics are not from other types of leukocytes by the presence of granules containing being effective. active agents for fighting infections.l requires two packs These transfusions are relatively which means we have to rely on 20 donors of the right blood group” patients could be helped with packs of granulocytes sourced from ten separate blood donations. These were given to the patient in ten separate doses – a time consuming process for the nurses and not ideal for the patient. STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Our new, pooled granulocytes We use ten whole blood Coloured scanning electron rare compared to red cell and Left: White cell engulfing TB specifically for this purpose. In all, mean adult patients can receive donations for every pack of pooled micrograph (SEM) of activated platelet transfusions, but demand bacteria. Right: White cell the patient receives more of what the same dose with just two packs granulocytes we make. A single granulocyte, white blood cells is growing for patients with engulfing thrush fungus they need for their specific problem. being transfused. Children require treatment for an adult requires two them known as the ‘buffy coat’, neutrophil disorders in a situation for doctors to prescribe and the A quick turn-around time is just one pack. packs which means we have to rely because of its buff colour. The where they could develop a life nursing staff to administer since essential, from initial donation on 20 donors of the right blood buffy coat layer contains the threatening infection. there are only two packs to make to the point where the product is Pooling donations group. platelets and white blood cells, up one dose for adults (and one for delivered to hospitals. This means As the name suggests, pooled Making pooled granulocytes including granulocytes. Easier to treat children). close collaboration between granulocytes are made by pooling involves separating out these cells Previously patients were given ten It will be easier for the laboratory collection, processing, testing and several blood donations, or rather, by centrifuging whole blood. A Risk of infection 60ml packs of buffy coat layer (total staff to match to the patient too issue staff as well as staff from the granulocyte component of special machine spins the blood People with bone marrow volume 600ml). The new single as they will be pooling the whole transport. This is a major step donations. Donors are specially very fast, separating it into plasma diseases, or anyone who has had pack granulocytes have a volume of blood donations from selected forward in helping patients to fight selected for this purpose. and red cells with a layer between chemotherapy treatment for just 207ml. This means it’s simpler matched donors who give blood infection. l
16 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 17 OLYMPIC ROUND-UP Yes, wewe diddid itit -- thanksthanks toto you!you!
e knew this was going Somehow we had to boost blood donation levels by to be one of the busiest Wsummers ever for blood 30 per cent to meet demand during the Olympic Games. services thanks to the Olympic But thanks to your dedication and support and Paralympic Games. But our planning paid off and almost half we reached the target a million of you rose magnificently to the occasion, boosting donation levels by 30 per cent above normal. That meant we were comfortably able to meet demands for blood at the start of the Games preparations in July and keep supplies flowing all through the summer to the end of the Paralympic Games in September. We began our stock-building
efforts back in March with a series IMAGES MCDONOUGH /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED/GETTY JOHN W. of campaigns to raise awareness of Getting blood to hospitals making nighttime deliveries when increasing the number of new blood donation and how much it During the Olympics and the roads were less congested. young donors, as numbers are was needed this year in particular. Paralympics NHSBT provided blood Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive down.
An amazing 468,000 of you gave ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/GETTYIMAGES and blood products to all hospitals of NHSBT, says, “I am very proud The number of young donors blood in the build up to the critical that requested them. Before the that we have been able to registering has fallen by 20 per summer weeks, and for that we Games the Department of Health contribute to the success of such cent over the last ten years, with a would like to give you our sincerest had requested that hospitals work an important Olympics. My thanks marked fall in registrations amongst thanks. as usual throughout all the events and congratulations go to all those 17 and 18-year-olds. to make sure patients didn’t go who supported this memorable We can’t stress enough how On message without life-saving treatment. event.” every donation makes a huge We must also thank all our ‘on-call We helped achieve this by difference to people’s lives and donors’ who gave blood when introducing new ways of working More donors needed the NHS relies on 7,000 units of we needed the extra boost. This with hospitals, like transport staff The next challenge we face is blood every day to treat patients in involved asking donors who had accident and emergency cases, as not donated for a while and had well as scheduled treatments such not booked an appointment if App makes it easier to donate! as maternity and cancer care. they would be willing to donate It’s now easier than ever to book an appointment with our Android and Every blood donation can at short notice if there should be a Apple Smartphone and tablet application. The NHSBlood app allows potentially save the lives of
particular need. ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN/GETTY IMAGES you to search for your nearest blood donation sessions. Once you have three people. So next time you NHSBT’s Jon Latham says, “I responsibly for the Games. We donors that we are able to meet found one, you can book an appointment through our National Contact come along to donate, why not would personally like to say a huge maintained the higher level of these targets and more importantly Centre (NCC). We’ll send you an alert for your appointment and you’ll encourage a friend or family thank you to all our heroic donors stock right through to the end to provide a safe and regular receive a route to the session on Google maps. Plus, the app allows you member to make an appointment who helped us hit an ambitious of the Paralympics in September. supply of blood to those people to share your activities on Facebook and Twitter. and join you so that they can target to help the nation prepare It’s thanks to the dedication of who need it most.” become a life-saver just like you! l
18 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 19 OVER TO YOU
★★★★★★★★★★★★★ STAR LETTER ★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Thank you to every donor A Star Letter is chosen for every issue. I have been a blood donor for nearly 20 years and have donated 40 units. The winner will be I enjoy reading The Donor and the letters people write and I feel strongly invited to a behind-the -scenes tour of a Blood about donating blood as my mother suffered from Centre. He or she will aplastic anaemia and was reliant on blood and platelet don a white coat and donations. My husband is a renal patient and has had see what happens to a a few transfusions in the past; once he needed eight donation of blood. (You units. From one donor to another I would like to say must be 16 or over.) a big thank you to all other donors for what they have done for my family and to the donor centre staff for always being fantastic. VICKY GARDNER, BY EMAIL EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Thank you for your kind words and many years of commitment to donation. It’s great to hear how donated blood has helped patients and your family has experienced fi rst hand the benefi ts of giving blood. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
This is your chance to tell EDITOR’S RESPONSE: I’m glad you Summer edition with great interest us your news, views and enjoy reading The Donor and and some relief. Two years ago we interesting or unusual thank you for your dedication in lost our grandfather due to a leg donor stories. Write to donating for so many years. ulcer. Watching him decline and The Editor, The Donor, ultimately die in this way was heart NHSBT Colindale Avenue, Complete set London NW9 5BG breaking for us as he was so strong or email At a recent session I was proud to and well until his last year of life. [email protected] receive my award for 50 donations. I wish DCD had been available then. As I drank my tea I was joined by a I donate blood, but I would have An oldie writes young lady who had just received donated every feasible inch of skin Thank you for the fascinating her 25 award. Imagine my surprise to help him. Leg ulcers shouldn’t Summer edition of The Donor. I am when shortly after she had left I was lead to amputations or death and FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF one of the oldies mentioned in the joined by a lady with her 75 award I sincerely hope this research is ‘Aspects of blood’ piece. I picked and then a young man with his concluded quickly and successfully Mark goes more than the extra mile! up the magazine when giving my 10 award. I presume a 100 award to help sufferers. Mark Dabbs has run more than 70 marathons, been congratulated by 120 mayors 116th whole unit. I have been a would have made the complete set. FIONA CHARMAN, BY EMAIL nationwide and met Gordon Brown and Nelson Mandela. But he says his biggest donor for 53 years having started JOHN FRENCH, VIA EMAIL achievement is helping save lives by donating blood. Mark, a staff nurse from donating when 18 and newly EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Congratulations EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Thank you for Walsall, has been dubbed the town’s ‘Running Ambassador’ and promotes health married, and am now 71. I had to on your award. It is great to see so your response to the DCD article. and fi tness, as well as blood donation, by taking part in marathons all over get my father’s permission when I many donors in one area who are I’m sorry to hear about your the world. The 47-year-old began donating when he was 19 and has recently started as in those days everything committed to saving lives. Well grandfather, but we hope that celebrated his 50th donation. Mark says, “I am dedicated to giving blood as often was based on the magic age of 21. done to all of you. patients in the future will benefi t as I can. I want to lend my support to everyone who needs blood.” Mark carried I have seen many changes over the from DCD treatment. Skin can’t the Olympic torch through Willenhall in the West Midlands as a reward for his 25 Leg ulcer hope years, but always the same cheerful be donated while you’re alive - years of service at Walsall Manor Hospital and his work in the community. l attitude by the staff; thank you! I read the article on Decellularised the skin comes from deceased FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF BARRY FOOT, BY EMAIL Dermis (DCD) on page 16 in your donors who agree to donate
20 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 21 OVER TO YOU RESEARCH their tissues after they have died. donating whole blood until my arm in the last issue of the magazine. For more information on how drops off or I shrivel up. I would like I too have given 50 blood to sign up to the Organ Donor to thank all staff, past and present, donations and I am also 50 this Just what the doctor ordered Register and donate tissues go to at the Bradford donor centre for year. Though he has a Man City www.organdonation.nhs.uk their professional, humorous and shirt on I love Manchester United. dedicated attitude and long may I My father had an aorta operation bout one in every 200 Giving blood more frequently has turned out Not giving up! carry on visiting them. in Bristol in 1988 and this hundred people in to be beneficial for donors Having been a regular blood/ MARTIN FOX, BY EMAIL prompted me to start my donation Athe UK has Genetic plasma/platelet donor for more EDITOR’S RESPONSE: What a fantastic record in 1990. I have donated Haemochromatosis (GH), a affected by a widespread genetic condition years than I care to remember, I donation record! It’s wonderful regularly ever since that life saving condition in which the person passed the 1000 donation mark a to hear stories of donors’ operation took place. absorbs too much iron from their weeks, as long as they were well. through the normal route of a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, dedication to helping save lives. NICHOLAS WYNN, BY EMAIL diet. This can cause problems when Thanks to our work with the blood donor session. due to excessive scarring on EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Thanks for the iron is deposited in the liver, Haemochromatosis Society, we both arm veins I have had to stop Fifty fifty letting us know about your heart, pancreas and joints (see box). have now developed a process that Special advice donating platelets. Not to be I was interested to see the story similarities. Well done and here’s The standard treatment for will allow some GH donors to give We have worked with hospital defeated I have now gone back to of Tom Whitaker from Lancaster to many more donations. l GH patients is regular visits to blood as often as every six weeks, specialists in haemochromatosis to IS IT TRUE THAT… hospital to have the excess iron ensure that donors are advised removed by a phlebotomy (or on how often they should We reply to some of your questions about donating venesection). This involves the donate and to ensure that their removal of blood in the same consultant continues to monitor I have not been able to donate known as the “universal blood group” levels of stored iron in their bodies and way that a donor would give their condition. Qsince I had a blood transfusion a and can be given to patients of any donating more often could put them a unit. But the blood has to be Consultant haematologist few years ago. Why can’t I donate and blood group in an emergency. B negative at risk of anaemia. We are currently thrown away because it hasn’t Dr Steven Masson says, is there a test underway that would is prevalent in black and minority ethnic undertaking a ground breaking, two- been collected with all the same “Frequent blood donation
allow me to donate again? groups (BME) and as only two per cent year study that could help shape the ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY safety standards as those on our would be ideal for my patients This is a precautionary measure of the population has this blood type, we future of blood donation globally. It will blood donor sessions. Light micrograph of a section with haemochromatosis, and Athat was implemented in 2004 may specifically target BME donors from gather evidence to see if the amount of through the liver of a patient with good for NHSBT as it receives even against the possible risk of variant time to time. time between blood donations can be GH donors haemochromatosis more blood for patients in need of Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease (vCJD) being I have deep veins and often have tailored to individual donors based on People with GH can safely donate if appropriate. So instead of their transfusion. transmitted by blood from an infected Qtrouble donating. What advice do factors such as age, weight and health. blood as the condition is genetic blood being collected at hospital “My experience with donor to the patient. There is currently you have for making it easier for me? For more information or to join the study, and not transmissible. These donors and wasted, these extra donations haemochromatosis patients who no way to test blood, so at the moment Being dehydrated can make it please visit www.intervalstudy.org.uk typically would give blood every 12 can now enter the supply chain have been donating every 12 those who have had a transfusion after Aharder to find a suitable vein. To I would like to become a platelet weeks as regular donors has shown 1980 can’t give blood. help avoid this, we recommend that the Qdonor, but I don’t know where to this to be extremely successful and Why do you appeal for people of evening before and on the day of your go as you don’t take donations in the What is genetic haemochromatosis? convenient for them.” Qcertain blood groups to donate? appointment you drink plenty of water church hall I usually go to donate. Genetic haemochromatosis (GH) is a disorder that causes the body to We have needed to adjust our Don’t you always need blood from or any other non-alcoholic fluid, at least Platelets are donated in our 24 absorb an excessive amount of iron from the diet. computer systems to allow this everyone? 500ml is advised. Astatic donation centres across the The body can only use a limited amount of iron and any excess special group of donors to donate Donations from every blood My husband has been told he can country. This is because the machines accumulates mainly in the liver, but can also affect other organs. more frequently than our normal Agroup are important and every Qdonate every 12 weeks now, but I used in the donation are far too big and For a long time it was believed that the disorder was rare, so GH was 12 week or longer protocol. single donor from every blood group is still have to wait 16 weeks. Why is that? heavy to transport and each donation rarely considered as a diagnosis in people presenting with symptoms. Getting all the technology in place valuable to us. However, it is essential After a careful review of practice, takes 90 minutes. Platelet donors may However, recent surveys of people from Northern Europe have shown has been a complex process, but that we constantly monitor the demand Awe know that it is safe for men to donate up to 15 times a year with a that haemochromatosis runs in families and affects around one in now donors with GH have a special for blood to ensure that we have enough donate four times in a 12-month period, minimum interval between donations 200 people in the UK. GH is now recognised as being one of the most appointment system and their of the right blood for patients and also as long as they wait 12 weeks between of 14 days. To find out more go to common genetic disorders. l blood is used more regularly for the that none goes to waste. O negative is donations. Women don’t have the same www.blood.co.uk/platelets l benefit of other patients.l
22 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 23 BEHIND THE SCENES
Our Donor Helpline staff based at the National Contact Centre in Bangor. All our Helpline staff are trained for nearly a month before they can even pick up the phone
Behind the Donor Helpline When you call our helpline, you tap into a 24/7 service that can help you with everything from booking an appointment to the latest advice on donating after foreign travel
very call to the Donor Helpline number, 0300 123 “I do feel a great E23 23, is answered by our National Contact Centre (NCC) in sense of personal Bangor, Northern Ireland. This 24-hour-a-day, seven-day- satisfaction as my job a-week service is staffed by over is linked to helping 120 agents, all specially trained to deal with a wide range of donor people save lives” and blood related matters, from appointments to basic medical, Job satisfaction is high. “No two some 50,000 SMS text messages changes due to bad weather. But excited by the session searcher travel and health advice. days are ever the same, however weekly to donors, as well as an for the moment, telephone calls, app for smart phones, which we The complexities behind giving I do feel a great sense of personal increasing number of emails. This and of course invitation mailings, launched this summer. You simply blood mean a typical NHSBT call satisfaction as my job is linked to trend is going to grow as more and still account for the bulk of our download the app from Google agent will be trained for nearly a helping people save lives,” says more people move over to digital communication with you. Play store or the Apple App Store month before they even pick up the another agent. communication. and then put in your postcode to phone. As one agent says, “It’s my One of the biggest benefits of More interaction find the nearest session and times. job to ensure I have all the relevant Two way communication texts and emails is that they allow Being able to offer more interaction Then just call one of our agents and information and ask all the right The NCC doesn’t just field phone almost instant communication, with you is important, which is why information online a lot quicker, book it. questions to ensure it’s safe for the calls though. Many of you like to so we can give you up to date we are launching a new blood as well as book an appointment to For more information on how to person on the end of line to give be contacted through texts and information about anything from donor ‘portal’ in 2013. This will let give blood. give blood visit www.blood.co.uk blood.” emails, and the NCC now sends blood group shortages to session you access general and personal Last but not least, we are very or call us on 0300 123 23 23 . l
24 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 25 PATIENT STORY Battling for Brooke Born with a rare blood disorder, six-year-old Brooke Cornwell needs regular blood transfusions to survive. Here we find out how her condition has affected her family
hristine Castle has a lot to where the bone marrow doesn’t be thankful for. In little more make any red blood cells – which Cthan six years, it is estimated means that Brooke currently that many hundreds of donors needs blood transfusions every have played a part in keeping her three weeks. We have revisited granddaughter Brooke Cornwell Brooke and her family to see how alive. life has changed since 2007. You may remember Brooke Back in hospital Brooke and her family. She from an article in the Winter 2007 RT PHOTOGRAPHY needs regular transfusions to issue of The Donor. At just two “Brooke was back in hospital Wednesday and didn’t come home treat her rare form of anaemia years old she had already received last week with a blood clot,” says that night, although she wasn’t too 27 blood transfusions and in the Christine. “She was complaining fazed by the visit as the first thing past five years this number has of a swollen neck - which is very she asked for when she woke up “blood juice” but sometimes it “It was realising One of the main challenges increased to well over 100. Brooke unlike Brooke, as she hardly was a McDonald’s!” just breaks your heart when you for people with DBA and other was born with a cleft palate and complains about anything – so we Medical events like this are hear her ask why she can’t be like that blood is needed conditions that require regular Diamond Blackfan Anaemia made sure that we got this checked something that all the family her younger sister, Felicity, who’s transfusions is the high build up of (DBA) - a rare blood condition out. She went into hospital on the have had to get used to. “It does three,” says Christine. for all types of iron. With every transfusion that make planning playdates and Brooke gets, her iron levels also What is Diamond Blackfan Anaemia? visits to family that little bit more Many transfusions conditions that climb. Too much iron in the blood tricky. We never know if Brooke In addition to her DBA and cleft spurred Brooke’s can be just as damaging as too Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) is a rare blood condition where is going to be well enough to palate, Brooke also has problems little. It is this factor that causes the the bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells. These red blood keep those arrangements,” with her stomach and her throat. mum, dad and biggest complication. Brooke is cells are necessary for life since they carry oxygen around the body. Christine says. But Brooke seems With over ten operations to date, treated by having an “iron carrier” Patients are usually diagnosed before the age of two and require to take overnight stays and regular some needing transfusions, plus grandma to become drug given to her at night which treatment to compensate for their lack of red cell production. hospital visits in her stride. the regular blood that she needs blood donors” is usually administered by a slow DBA can cause fatigue, poor growth, lack of appetite and a pale Luckily for Brooke, her every three weeks, the amount of transfusion under the skin. This complexion. In about a half of cases patients also suffer associated illness hasn’t stopped her from blood that Brooke has been given is to mind are accidents and is done about five nights a week congenital abnormalities. DBA patients also have a slightly behaving like other girls. She has immeasurable. operations. We didn’t know, taking between 6-8 hours per elevated risk of certain types of cancer. Many patients with DBA a passion for swimming, loves to It was realising that blood is until Brooke was born, that there session. are treated with blood transfusions, often monthly, to bring their play outside and expresses her needed for all types of conditions were so many blood conditions Brooke’s family are currently red blood cell count up to an acceptable level. creativity through sticking and that spurred Brooke’s mum, dad that require regular transfusions. saving up for further treatment Frequent transfusions cause the accumulation of iron in colouring. But there are times and grandma to become blood We are so grateful to all the that could change her life forever. the body, so patients must take a drug to remove excess iron from when she longs to be ‘normal’. donors. Says Christine, “When anonymous donors that donate But in the meantime Brooke must their bodies. l “Brooke knows that she has you think of blood transfusions, their blood. Without them our continue to rely on her ‘blood DBA and has nicknamed the bag the first things that often come lives would be very different.” juice’. l
26 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 27 MEET THE EXPERT
academics and pathologists, so wasn’t as joined-up when I first there aren’t many typical days! “Donated tissue started as it is now. Much of the However, when I am working process of tissue donation, from from my main office, I will come in is at the centre of its issue to its use on a patient, can for 9am, catch up with my emails, now happen under one roof. then chat to the team to find out a lot of exciting Having it all done by one how they are and get a feel for research which organisation is pretty unique, even what’s been going on and what globally. Tissue donation has also might come up during the day. will allow it to help become much more understood, Then I might be dealing with any both within our organisation and number of tasks, from handling even more patients, among the general public. legal and ethical questions relating Tell us about the future for to tissue donation to preparing a in even more ways, Qtissue donation Emma Winstanley at the National paper for a meeting. There’s usually Donated tissue is at the centre Referral Centre in Speke, which also at least one tele-conference I need in the future” Aof a lot of exciting research houses the laboratories (opposite) to attend as well. which will allow it to help even more patients, in even more ways, in the future. “It’s good to know that families will always remember us” In the last issue of The Donor, one very promising example was written about. It involves donated Tell us about where you work Donated tissues save lives, but donors’ families skin being used in an entirely new Qand your role there need sensitive care, which is what Emma treatment for leg ulcers, with I am the manager of the Winstanley and her team strive to provide amazing results. ANational Referral Centre for The skin is made into a new Tissue Donation, or NRC, which is procedures. Where did you work before you type of skin graft known as based at NHSBT’s state-of-the-art For example, donated skin is Qjoined NHSBT? decellularised dermis (DCD) tissue banking facility in Speke, used to help serious burns to heal; I qualified in 1995 from John where the donor’s own cells are near Liverpool. donated bone helps people’s limbs AMoores University in Liverpool removed from the skin, leaving a The NRC is a team of specially to be rebuilt after bad fractures and and trained at the Royal Liverpool ‘decellularised’ tissue which will trained nurses who contact the donated corneas help restore sight and Broadgreen Hospital Trust. I not be rejected when implanted families of people who have died to those who have lost some or all am a registered nurse and have into a patient. (generally during the previous of their vision. clinical responsibilities in the NRC This may well replace the 24-48 hours) and could potentially How did you come to your in terms of donor selection and traditional treatment for a severe become tissue donors. Qpresent role? care for donor families. I worked in ulcer, which involves grafting skin We explain the process of tissue I started at the Speke centre a hospital on a surgical ward first, What’s the best part of name of the person they spoke to from another site on the patient’s donation to them, discuss their Aback in 2005 when I worked then I worked in community care as Qyour job? or exactly what was said, but they body onto the ulcer, which is painful options and take consent from for a year as a nurse practitioner a district nurse, after that I worked I don’t think I could name a will remember the kindness and and means a second operation to them if they are happy for their in the NRC contacting families of in intermediate care, which involves Asingle best part. I enjoy that it’s compassion they were shown at remove the skin graft. l loved ones’ tissues to be donated. potential donors. providing nurse-led clinical care to a fast-paced environment which is such a difficult time. Our nurses How are donated tissues used Then I became a clinical patients in the community. often changing and unpredictable, here are massively committed to Sign up now! Qto help patients? nurse specialist and led a project What is a typical day like but also incredibly rewarding when their work. To find out more or sign up to Tissues can help save and on the Dedicated Donation Facility Qfor you? you think of what we’re doing. How have your job and the world the Organ Donor Register, go Aimprove patients’ lives. in Speke, Liverpool, before I was My job involves a lot of It’s good to know that families Qof tissue donation changed? to www.organdonation.nhs.uk They are used in a wide variety appointed as the manager of Atravelling and meeting will always remember us - they The job has changed a lot, as or call 0300 123 23 23. of hospital treatments and the NRC. different people like coroners, might not remember the exact Athe tissue donation process 28 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 29 ASK THE DOCTOR CROSSWORD
Our doctor, Complete the crossword. The first and last columns of the completed crossword will spell out Gail Miflin, Donating in winter our message to you. Send this message on a postcard or in a letter together with your name, address and daytime phone number to: Crossword Competition, The Donor, NHSBT, Charcot answers staff. In severe weather we may come to session your veins will be Road, London NW9 5BG. You could win an “Amazing” NHSBT prize. Answers and the winner’s questions need to cancel or re-schedule a more visible. about colds and session. If this happens we will give Can I still donate if I take name will be in the next issue. All entries must be received by 31st January 2013. flu you as much notice as we can. We Q medication? will aim to re-schedule or offer an It depends what the medicine is ACROSS alternative session. If you feel it is for but most people on medicines 1 Someone absent What advice do you have unsafe to travel to donate, please can donate. Please tell us what without Q for avoiding colds and flu let us know as soon as possible on you are taking, whether it is from permission (6) this winter? 0300 123 23 23 so we can offer the your doctor or over the counter 5 Government One of the best ways to avoid appointment to someone else. from your pharmacist, the internet office (6) picking up bugs is by thoroughly What if I feel faint or a health shop. Some of these 8 People generally (8) washing your hands, with soap Q when I get home after may mean we cannot take your 9 Female servant (4) and hot water, after you have been donating? donation. For more information 10 Arabian port (4) 11 Marsupial (8) out and about. Other tips are to You need to take it easy for a few please call 0300 123 23 23. 12 Drink of the gods (6) keep warm and well fed, exercise hours after giving blood, and drink I have just been 15 Head-covering regularly, and get enough sleep. If, plenty of fluids. If you do feel faint diagnosed with high Q made from sash (6) despite all your precautions, you or dizzy, lie down immediately with cholesterol. Will this stop me 17 Device used by do get a sore throat, chesty cough your legs raised if possible and let from giving blood? typists or or an active cold sore, please don’t someone know you are feeling High cholesterol tends to be musicians (8) try to donate, but wait until you are unwell. If faintness persists after managed through diet or 20 Common name for better. For more advice on deferrals your donation, or you faint within medication and does not usually dog (4) see www.blood.co.uk. 24 hours of donation, having cause problems. If you have high 22 Enclosed space by Why do you make special previously felt well, then please cholesterol but no associated building (4) Q appeals for blood during call us on 0300 123 23 23 to let us symptoms then you can donate 23 Flowering shrub (8) the winter? know and we will be able to advise even if you are receiving treatment 24 Aquatic Winter is the season of colds and you further. To stop yourself feeling for it. However, occasionally mammals (6) flu which puts many donors out faint after your next donation high cholesterol levels are 25 Boggy area (6) of action. We rely on those who please see our leaflet Feeling Faint associated with heart disease or are fit and healthy to donate to – Information for Donors on our visual problems or neurological DOWN maintain blood stocks. When website www.blood.co.uk. problems. If these have affected 2 Circular (5) 7 Site of the Grand Canyon (7) stocks of specific blood groups run I often have trouble you, then even if your cholesterol 3 Opposed to (7) 13 Graceful in appearance (7) LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION low, we will make a special appeal Q donating in the winter as has returned to normal through 4 Deceitful action (5) 14 Motives (7) for donors to come forward. For it’s hard to find a vein. How can treatment, you should not donate. 5 Knife attached to 16 Purifier (7) example, when floods hit the I make it easier? I donate platelets and if I rifle (7) 18 Emblem (5) 6 Afro-Cuban country in September, donors with Make sure you are hydrated by have a cold can I still give? 19 Cherished desire (5) Q dance (5) 21 Attire (5) blood group O Rh negative were drinking plenty of water before you Unfortunately not. The rules for particularly needed. donate. The water increases your platelet donation are the same What happens if my blood volume, making veins easier for blood. If you have a cold or are WE HAVE A WINNER! Q session is cancelled due to find. Keep your arms and hands feeling unwell then you will not be Congratulations to Mr P Dance from Washington, to bad weather? warm too, as veins tend to recede able to give until you are feeling Tyne and Wear, who correctly answered last We will always try to keep sessions into the body during cold weather better. Let us know if you cannot issue’s crossword. running as planned, but we must to conserve heat. By making sure donate and we can rearrange your The correct answer was: JAYNE TORVILL think of the safety of donors and your arms are warm when you appointment. l
30 THE DONOR WINTER 2012 WINTER 2012 THE DONOR 31 We need to register 100,000 new donors to protect future blood stocks. Do you know anyone who could help? Ask them to visit blood.co.uk/news/100k
Remember, you can call the Helpline to tell us if INFORMATION you have moved house or changed employers! Just call our 24 hour Donor Helpline and staff will answer your queries on all aspects DON’T FORGET information is also available on of giving blood. our website. 0300 123 23 23 www.blood.co.uk If you are not a donor, please enrol now. Fill out the coupon below, place it in an envelope and send it to NHS Blood and Transplant, FREEPOST RRZG-KUKB-EUBE, 500 North Bristol Park, Northway, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QH, or call 0300 123 23 23. Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss SURNAME
FIRST NAME DATE OF BIRTH D D / M M / Y Y ADDRESS POSTCODE DAYTIME PHONE No MOBILE EMAIL To give blood you need to be in good health, aged 17 to 65 and weigh over 7st 12lbs/50kg. I would like to join the NHS Blood Donor Register as someone who may be contacted and would be prepared to donate blood. I understand that NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) or its partners may phone, write or otherwise contact me with details of local donor sessions. I agree to the NHSBT holding my personal details on their donor database and processing this information as necessary for the proper administration of the NHSBT. MO6