donating blood in uk

[emzs]

Just a quick question.
Ive just signed up to give blood. I have booked a appointment slot online to do so.
Im just wondering if anyone can tell me how long its likely to take as i have to get my son to his football match. My app in 12.20 but i need to be leaving for him no later than 12.40 do u think i'll have time to donate!?
Ive donated blood before but i used drop in service rather than book a time slot so waiting a while

Thanks

[justabigdisco]

I've not done it that many times but I'd say there's no way you'll be out by then. You need to leave at least an hour. The actual needle time is less than ten minutes but the whole process takes much longer

[AintNobodyHereButUsKittens]

Takes about an hour start to finish even with an appointment. If you're really lucky you could be out in 45 minutes but there's no way on earth you'd be out in 20.

Sign in, take the literature, read the literature, drink your pint of water, get called by nurse, chat through questionnaire, have finger prick, go back to waiting area, get name called, lie down and take coat off, get prepped, get stuck, give blood, get released, apply band aids, apply pressure, have cup of tea. Even if you sprint straight out as soon as they have put your bandage on, which is frowned upon, it's a good 40 minutes minimum.

[DramaAlpaca]

Agree with the others, you'll need at least an hour.

[EBearhug]

I agree - minimum of an hour, and that's assuming they're right on schedule, which frankly is unusual, though they were being really efficient when I last gave in June.

Also, if it's your first time, it can take you longer to recover, so you probably want more than an hour to be on the safe side. You have to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting and similar for the next 24 hours, too. There should be a lot more info on the website.

Get someone else to get your son to the match, or reschedule the session.

[123rd]

I'm sure they actually quote in the letter an hour. But I have been in the hall for quite a lot longer. ( under staffed & lots of lovely people wanting to donate)
Also, if your donation makes you feel a bit funny -which I'm sure it won't- they may ask you to stay a bit longer.

[emzs]

Its not my first time ive just always used drop in so thought the appointments would be quicker.
Its so frustrating. I just want to donate and am really struggling to fit in a time slot. All our local donations take place in afternoon. I literally am tied up with the kids most afternoons. And the times im free they are all fully booked until sept! And then the other donation slots are after 6 (obviously for ppl at work) but my youngest goes to bed half past 6 And oh is at work and i dont think taking the kids tired would be wise!

Anyone know of any other ways i could donate rather than using these sessions!?!

Im o- blood group so know my bloods important and always needed!

[namechangedtoday15]

I've taken my DD with me before. She read a book, we talked etc. She just sat next to me. If your son will sit quietly (ie not run around) then take him. I think it's not encouraged but they won't turn you away. Could you maybe book it for 11.30, take your son with you and drop off at nursery afterwards.

[namechangedtoday15]

Sorry just read that back and I - ve got the timings wrong. Collect him from nursery and then go to donate.

[MrsJayy]

My DD takes 40 minutes to donate dh isaprox 15 minutes so you cant really say how long it will take drink a few glasses of water before but you might be pushing it

[notamummy10]

It does take about a hour now...

Before the blood people allowed walk-ins, the appointment only took 30 mins. The letter that accompanies the donor health check form goes along the lines of: 'with an arrival time of .... the appointment should be completed with one hour'

[MrsJayy]

Our donation is just turn up no booking can you see if you can do that

[emzs]

They dont do morning sessions here. They run from 1.20pm to 4pm then 6pm -7.10pm I have a two year old and 4 year old. The 4 year old would be ok on his own, as he'd read etc But the two year old would be a nightmare. He does not sit still and climbs the walls watching his older brothers swim lesson and thats only half hour :-/

Just think its a shame that its not easier to donate when its so important. I cant be the only one struggling to get an appointment around the kids. I mean its good they are fully booked alot of the time but surely that means there are people being turned away, or people who just cant make the only time slots they offer

[emzs]

Ive looked at every possible appointment option and none work until sept. Ive either got baby in tow. Or more than one in tow. Or its after their bedtime or at school pick up time. Or nursery drop of time. Its just frustrating

[emzs]

Oh and they do do drop ins but they run alongside the appointments at the same time so doesnt really help :-/

[MrsJayy]

It sounds frustrating you might need to put it of for a year or so just keep looking for a slot

[EBearhug]

At ours, most of the appointments for the next session in 3 or 4 months are booked by people there - you get asked if you want to book for next time while you have your tea and biscuits. They do do drop-ins, but appointmentshe get priority, and you can be waiting for over an hour before you even get the initial check.

One way that it's suggested for people who can't donate can still help, by enabling others to donate, by giving lifts or offering childcare.

[namechangedtoday15]

Could you not leave the children in nursery for an extra hour / leave with grandma / get H to come home a little earlier one day?

[emzs]

My youngest doesnt go to nursery. Grandma is the only option we have. But its still working around the kids ties with the time slots available. Ive booked in for the next available slot which i think i should b ok to do.. With grandma having the kids! Shes not aware shes having them yet mind as its end of aug!! i know its no1s fault i have a busy life with the children just frustrating to wait that long