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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Can I take DD with me to donate blood

20 replies

TravellingSpoon · 19/03/2020 22:23

Have an appointment next week. Dont want to can else it but would have to take DD with me ( ds would be at school). DD is 11.

It's a proper centre father than a session run in a church hall or community centre.

OP posts:

Original poster

TravellingSpoon · 19/03/2020 22:24

She will be fine herself, isnt squeamish.

OP posts:

BudgieHammockBananaSmuggler · 19/03/2020 22:26

You could just ring them and ask.
School next week?

JammieCodger · 19/03/2020 22:35

Of course she can go; it will be good for her to see how easy it is.

The first time I gave blood I had my friend’s 3 year old running toy cars up and down my legs while I donated.

MadameMeursault · 19/03/2020 22:38

Yes she can go. I was there once when there was a much younger child with his dad. It will be a good experience for her. And she might get a free biscuit!

woodymiller · 19/03/2020 22:39

I often have at least one of mine with me. DS got to help once, he loved it (I think he just put a clamp or seal on the bag). That's not allowed anymore though, much to DD's disgust, she gets as close as she can though.

Coffeeisnecessary · 19/03/2020 22:40

I went last week and the lady said they were stopping people coming in with you because of coronavirus but I'm not sure if they have yet, I'd ask.

ilovesooty · 19/03/2020 22:42

When i went there were older children there.

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 19/03/2020 22:45

I wouldn't only because I had a bad experience. I had been regularly with no issues then on one occasion I was feeling absolutely fine, straightened my arm for them to stick the plaster on and all hell broke loose - blood shot out of the hole and the next thing I knew I was surrounded by screens and waking up to find the doctor covered in blood in front of me!

feeona123 · 20/03/2020 00:02

I took my 5 year old with me once before, she was fine. Due to go on Thursday, not sure if it will still be on.

BoomBoomsCousin · 20/03/2020 05:37

It's not normally any problem, there is a very slight chance that something unusual will happen, but it's rare. At the moment, though, it's better for as few people as possible to be mixing with others.

Is she not able to just stay home?

chantico · 20/03/2020 05:44

A DC who is old enough to sit quietly, unattended, in the waiting area is normally fine.

If they want to reduce footfall, then you could either take her and park her in nearby coffee shop (if open, and at outside table) or some other place, or leave her in the car if you're driving. Or use this as first time home alone.

Soontobe60 · 20/03/2020 05:47

You do know schools will be closed? (Unless your DS has an ehcp or social worker)
Because of the virus, its very doubtful that you will be allowed anyone else in, and quite rightly so.

1066vegan · 20/03/2020 05:47

Normally, I would say that it's a good idea because it could encourage her to give blood herself when she's older.

But we're being asked to practise social distancing and to limit any unnecessary social contact. An 11 year old is plenty old enough to be left alone. Don't take her.

Soontobe60 · 20/03/2020 05:51

Advice from Blood Donor centre is to not take children.
my.blood.co.uk/KnowledgeBase/Index/coronavirus

Original poster

TravellingSpoon · 20/03/2020 06:32

Okay, I will tell her to stay home.

Yes, DS has an EHCP and his school is staying open.

OP posts:

categoricallycrackers · 20/03/2020 07:45

OP I just wanted to say, thank you for being that person that gives blood. The NHS are seeing a fall in donors due to Coronavirus and yet they need blood as much as ever. For anyone reading this thread who hasn't, have a think about it and tell other people to consider it!

123rd · 20/03/2020 07:49

To pp, I'm sure the session will be on. The blood service are still in need of donations. That never stops. In fact I messaged them to see if it were possible to reduce the time in-between donations( for ref donors).

HermanHermit · 20/03/2020 07:49

It’s categorically not an essential journey for your child. I’m baffled that you’d even consider it. There will be a lot off 10/11 year olds having short solo stays at home earlier than planned because of this but taking a child to a mass gathering of people right now is a major risk.
As an aside - anyone know how they’re handling things at the donor centres? I’m also due next week and unhappily my blood is the most likely to both contract and then die from covid 19 so assume the platelets are going to be handy for them so I can’t cancel

Fleurdebleurgh · 20/03/2020 07:53

I run a venue that regularly has the blood donation service in. They have increased their bookings for the next 3 months. They will likely be open.

Soontobe60 · 20/03/2020 12:22

OP, if you don’t want to leave your dd for as long as it takes to donate, can she sit in the car with something to occupy her?

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