Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS

MP URGES BLOOD DONERS TO COME FORWARD

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas Season?  Why not give the gift of life with a simple blood donation.
 
Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Douglas Alexander is one of thousands of Scots who has donated blood, and he’s urging buddies to take time to give blood this Christmas season.  
 
He says the process is easier than most people imagine and is urging those who haven’t previously done so to donate blood this Christmas.
 
It follows warnings that the Scottish Blood transfusion services could face severe shortages of blood this winter, with fears of a 50% drop in blood supplies over the Christmas period – traditionally a time when it’s needed most.
 
The local MP met with Paisley Ambulance boss Colin Whiteford, who told him how vital it is that local hospitals have enough blood at this busy festive time.
 
MP Douglas said: “Donating blood is quick, easy and relatively pain-free – you don’t need an appointment and the whole process takes less than half an hour.
 
When you consider that just three teaspoons of blood can help save a premature baby, it’s half an hour well-spent.
 
With many regular donors struck down by winter illnesses like the cold or flu – or simply preoccupied with the Christmas festivities – blood is always in short supply at this time of year.
 
That’s why it’s important that people who haven’t previously given blood do so.
 
All of us have it in us to save a life.”
 
The Scottish Blood Donor Centre is open during the Christmas period. On Wednesday 30 December a mobile Donor Unit will be at Braehead Shopping Centre.  For more information call 0845 90 90 999 or go online to www.scotblood.co.uk.