Blood donation - wwyd?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

This isn't strictly an AIBU I guess, but I need some straight advice.

I donate blood as often as I am allowed (in my area, every 16w). I am due to donate again next week.

I would really like to keep the appt. It's a good thing to do and also, I imagine quite a few donors might decide to cancel now - which makes it more important to do imo.

Only, we are just starting to see Dpils and my mum again, and from initial chats, I think they might say they don't want to see us for a bit if I keep the appt.

My children really really miss their grandparents and it would make them very sad if they had them yanked away again.

Wwyd?

Yanbu - give blood
Yabu - postpone the appt

I'm going in a couple of weeks and until I read this thread it wouldn't have entered my head to mention it to anyone.

Having just read a thread discussing the population not being able to judge risk this is an absolute case in point. Your PILs are over-reacting, any risk is miniscule.

That’s good to know that it’s not wasted. I’m B+ so my blood is only of use to a reasonably small number of recipients!

I might make an appointment now then, I’d do anything for a lie down away from the kids and a biscuit.

@SudokuBook Yes! Blood donation is such a vital service, and I admire and respect all those who donate

SuDokuBook, I'm also B+ and they cancelled my appointment (presumably prioritising useful blood groups), so it's worth trying but you may find they let you make the appointment and then cancel on you.

So I have spoken to my mum now saying some of the things on this thread, and she is actually okay with it! Just need to talk to PIL now.

I am quite blase about the risk but it's not my risk perception really, it's theirs.

I wouldn't lie to them.

That's great op. I had my donation recently and they really did go to town with safety / hygiene precautions.

I donated a couple of weeks ago. As PP have said, everything is being done to keep everyone distanced and safe. The hospitals are strictly segregating covid+ areas and have increased awareness so you're at less risk if catching anything than you would under "normal" circumstances.
I definitely felt at much less risk than running the weekly supermarket shop.

Thank you to those who are still donating blood. I had to have a blood transfusion during lockdown and I'm very grateful to those whose blood I received.

I'm still back and forth to hospital every week and I would say you're far more likely to pick something up in Sainsbury's than hospital.

A few years ago they wrote to me offering a “donation holiday” as they had enough of my blood, I was a wee bit put out I remember @ProfessorRadcliffeEmerson

Please give blood, I'm a haematology nurse, my patients and I so appreciate you!

Id go if you can get there safely. Friends have donated in lockdown and said theyve been impressed with how organised it is to accommodate the current situation. The blood donor people have chased me up as i usually donate near where i work and have organised something now close to home as i think ill be working at home for some time yet.

Just saw this on Facebook if it helps

Okay so just updating as am a bit hacked off - I was planning to keep my appt which is at 10am tomorrow.

I received a text at 5.15 asking me to wear a mask when I come.

I don't have a mask. Tonight I have to put 3 dc 5 and under to bed, pick up the house, and then work, probably till midnight. I do not have time to make a mask.

I am really passionate about donating blood but I feel like just sacking it off now.

If it helps, small stores like the co-op are selling masks, but I’m sure a snood or scarf if you have one would be acceptable too.

This must be fairly new or specific to an area because I gave about 2 weeks ago and didn’t have to wear one.

I know it is inconvenient re the mask but if they are still asking you to come, then your type will be needed.

I’m away to check the Snbts site to see if it is a requirement here too, so thank you for highlighting it.

Thanks. The thing is, I am totally slammed right now. I do not have time to make a wasted journey and be turned away. It specifically says "mask".

Well, actually the text reads
To protect staff and donors at this time, we ask that you wear a face covering (mask) when attending your donation session, and wash your hands before arrival.

Is a snood over the face okay?

I would think so.

We have been told for travelling to work on transport we must wear masks/face coverings. Snoods are worn by most of the men and that has been ok. Obviously that isn’t quite the same as a donor session.

I’m sure someone might be along to confirm for you but as long as nose and mouth is covered I can’t see why a snood or scarf would be a problem. Crochet and lace excepted!

Mask can mean cotton covering, bike filter mask, cotton with filter, etc etc. Most are variations on a theme! You just have to look at everyone in the supermarket. A snood over is no different in my very humble opinion.

Hope you manage to give your nearly an armful