To be a bit miffed I can't give my blood.

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I've known for some time that I can't donate my much wanted O- blood because I was given blood in 1981 during a life-saving operation and because of the unfounded risks associated with nvCJD. After reading in the news that 0- blood was again in short supply I decided to re-investigate my ability to donate as the nvCJD "epidemic" hadn't materialized as the doomsayers of the mid-90s had pronounced. Through the web I read different dates and thought it would be ok now, it wasn't, nothings changed and I was turned away. I just think it's really silly, the science is completely unproven and had I lied, which I could easily have done, my blood would have been taken. It's not like I'm talking about a handbag or whatever. This is blood, it saves lives, including mine.

Why would we need an emergency stock of less safe blood? We haven't run out recently to my knowledge. Yes, you get shortages, but we are nowhere near desperate enough to do that.

Also, you can actually freeze blood (although the thawing is a difficult and expensive process). My guess is that there probably IS a permanent emergency stock as well as reciprocal agreements with foreign blood services for real crises.

Ruling out previous recipients probably doesn't actually rule out enough people to make a difference if there was a shortage - it's the vast majority of the population who can donate but never do who need to be targeted in case of shortage.

I mentioned on another thread that stats for the youngsters in the 17-25 age group show that numbers are dropping sharply.

I think we need to get this age group engaged and inspired to donate, because I reckon we'll otherwise face problems as the older generations have to stop donating.

My DD has to have blood-products and transfusions many times every year. The pyramid of risk scares the hell out of me! It's all very well having had a transfusion and wanting to donate thinking that it might be a one-off to a terminally-ill person which might prolong their experience of passing away at home,great though that may be, but that isn't always the case!

My daughter and my eldest son can't wait to be old enough to donate. They know their younger brother is alive thanks to an awesome platelet donor. I donate and have for years. Sadly the Octoboy will never do so, but it's a price he'll pay for his health.

I can't donate because I had a blood transfusion during labour just over 6 yrs ago. But I do encourage family members and friends to donate as it is invaluable.

I am miffed too - live in Germany -brits banned, also any German who went on holiday in UK in the 80s - because of mad cow disease implications. Edge of darkness anyone?
Do you think John Gummer's DD has forgiven him for the 'Here DD, eat this hamburger' stunt he pulled at the height of the crisis?

I can't because the nhs is taking so long to diagnose whether I have some form of arthritis or Raynauds, so I've been written off for the next 6 months. I am miffed that DH has given more units than me despite me starting as a teenager.