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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I shouldn’t have to take time off work to donate blood?

113 replies

Namechange202323 · 08/08/2023 19:11

I’m a regular donor. Used to be able to get local appointments after work - as late as 8pm, or even take a long lunch when WFH for a ‘medical appointment’.

now it’s impossible to get a convenience appointment anywhere near where I live or work, very few mobile sessions available and those that are are fully booked. I can’t book for 2024 as slots aren’t out that far in advance. The only slot I can get is at 2pm in the afternoon and would take 2 hours to get there, say 90 mins there, so I’d need to take at least a half day holiday. AIBU to think there should be more availability or weekend slots? I’ve been having this issue for a year or so meaning I’ve been unable to donate as regularly as I just don’t have the leave.

OP posts:
CommaChameleon7 · 08/08/2023 19:15

Contact your local centre - they might be able to suggest a community venue or sort out an appointment that suits you?

Like a lot of services they are over stretched and underfunded - it's such a shame as they used to be super flexible around the needs of donors

BigBeeee · 08/08/2023 19:17

I don't see how anyone can think you unreasonable. You are giving your blood. It should be convenient for you to do so.

Original poster
Namechange202323 · 08/08/2023 19:18

I know, they do keep calling me to try make an appointment - but can’t fit me in so just buy me on redial in the hope that a session might become available next time they call. I have the app and do check on there occasionally. Back where I lived 10 years ago it used to be walk in and fairly quiet, so quite straightforward and convenient.

OP posts:
WILTYjim · 08/08/2023 19:20

YANBU. It’s so hard! And I’m o neg so get special booking privilege but it’s so hard since I left London!!

NewNovember · 08/08/2023 19:21

As your work for paid leave for an afternoon any reasonable employer would agree.

Flangeosaurus · 08/08/2023 19:22

I’ve given up. Impossible to get a session anywhere nearby, last 2 that I booked they cancelled me, I just can’t give up 4 hours of my day to donate when I’ve got a full time job and small kids. It was great when you used to be able to just turn up to the local village hall or whatever and you’d be in and out in half hour even without an appointment.

Original poster
Namechange202323 · 08/08/2023 19:23

I’m o-neg too so they do keep trying, I just feel awful every time they call to try to book me in as they literally can’t offer anything once they check the booking system!

OP posts:
ItStopsHere · 08/08/2023 19:23

My Mum donated for years, gold standard or something or other. Local church hall in big market town, easy to get to. And then they moved the venue to a village with a limited bus route and inflexible appointments. She doesn't drive, so no longer donates (she'd have aged out now, but they lost a good few years out of her). Lots of other local people found the same thing

LemonLight · 08/08/2023 19:23

Driving two hours after giving blood is not a good idea. I had it a few times where I had to hunt down an appointment that was closeby and then they would cancel at the last minute and reschedule it to somewhere an hour away. Then they harass you with emails and letters and phone calls but you can't get an appointment anywhere within a reasonable distance or at a good time/date. Happy to donate blood but can't give up holiday to do it or risk fainting at the wheel.

Honnomushi · 08/08/2023 19:23

It's getting really hard to find spaces/times. They rang me a few weeks ago and said they were desperate for donations. I said I was happy to come in only to be told there were no spaces locally for months 🤷 Might be worth checking with your employer and asking if they'd consider allowing you time off?

Original poster
Namechange202323 · 08/08/2023 19:25

Unfortunately I work full time and have 2 very young kids, - I need to save my employers goodwill for inevitable childcare emergencies / kids sickness.

OP posts:
BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 08/08/2023 19:26

If your workplace is large enough, with enough willing donors, might the blood Bank do a visit to the workplace on a day that works for management? For all staff who want to donate to be able to do so?

salamanderdinosaur · 08/08/2023 19:26

I’m O- like you. I’ve also given up trying. It used to be easy to book appointments. With children I just can’t use days of leave for giving blood. I’m not sure why they can’t make it easier.

Waterlooville · 08/08/2023 19:28

At two of my previous (large) employers there were sessions in work. Loads of people used to go for half hour off work and a biscuit. I just think they must have loads of blood and don't need our donations otherwise they'd make it easy again. I would go if it was in our work again.

Original poster
Namechange202323 · 08/08/2023 19:28

That’s what frustrates me - the constant phone calls so they are desperate! Sounds like the appointment availability problem isn’t just my area from these replies.

OP posts:
megansmarkle · 08/08/2023 19:30

I know what you mean OP.

No free parking so I have to pay to park, and can only go during the day.

They annoyed me the last time they where there. It was covid and being isolated from people was hard. I went there and a guy who's 6"4 approached me at the door and put a temperature gun to my head. No asking/informing.

We used the same pens and clipboards to fill out our details, which was gross as not cleaned.

Donation was fine apart from feeling really cold which isn't normal for me.

Wasn't allowed to stay for a drink or refreshment due to "covid". I had to argue with them and told them I'm hanging around because you always made me do it before. And sat in the area until I felt ok to leave.

Now the sessions are always booked and always inconvenient,

Not sure what the issue is.

This isn't an nhs service,

megansmarkle · 08/08/2023 19:31

NewNovember · 08/08/2023 19:21

As your work for paid leave for an afternoon any reasonable employer would agree.

No they wouldn't

ScruffGin · 08/08/2023 19:31

YANBU, I've given up donating due to this issue, which is a shame.

Lovehearts82 · 08/08/2023 19:31

I have no advice. I just wanted to say thanks for reminding me to book my next appointment 👍🏻my only frustration is not being able to book my next appointment after I donate like we used to be able to do. I have to set a reminder to keep checking when slots come up that are past the time I can donate again.

bigageap · 08/08/2023 19:32

I booked an appt to give blood for the 1st time and they cancelled it stating unforeseen circumstances. It was a 6 month wait to start with!

megansmarkle · 08/08/2023 19:33

Sorry I didn't proof read. I just felt it was quite abrupt last time I went in covid.

Recently I have went and they cleaned my arm but I was in pain when the blood was being drawn, so I had to stop. Second time that's happened to me.

guzzleandstuff · 08/08/2023 19:34

Exactly the same situation OP. And I'm O-neg too. Can never get an appointment,

Runnerduck34 · 08/08/2023 19:35

My employer, local authority does give paid time off to give blood, but my manager makes me feel bad about taking it! I usually half the time it takes and do half in work time and half in my own time.
I am negative blood group and often get texts saying urgently need blood stocks, but actually getting an appt is hard and its always very busy when im there

asdfgasdfg · 08/08/2023 19:42

I gave up a few years ago I spent hours online trying to get a slot within 50 miles. Then I found out there were no slots for AB+ and they didn't warn me, I just stopped trying.

ASoapImpressionOfHisWifeWhichHeAte · 08/08/2023 19:42

Can't relate as I'm a semi-regular transfusee so haven't been able to donate in many years, but as someone who needs the blood I'm grateful to all of you for your efforts. It has literally saved my life.