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

[Namechange202323]

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.

Makes you wonder why they are advertising (think it was Capital FM) when they have appointment issues

We used to have sessions at our work and they were always booked out, so convenient! We tried to get them restarted (before Covid, when everyone still worked in the office) but they wouldn't do it any more.

I've been cancelled 4 times in the last two years, sometimes with two hours notice. I complained to Blood.uk. When I rebook I need to wait another 4 months to get a weekend appointment. It's really frustrating as I've donated 57 times but the last two years I've been close to throwing the towel in. It's dire.

It's bonkers. I come from a central European country and the government there supports its citizen giving blood by providing biscuits, juice etc at the centre, having the rest of the day off from work (compulsory and fully paid) and when you give blood x amount of time (cant remember how many times but it takes years) you get a discount on public transport services.

Locally the mobile sessions ended during the first covid lockdown and they've never come back. The only way to donate is to go to the centre which is in a particular part of town that nobody goes to unless you work there (all offices etc basically). And likewise only daytime appointments. Neither me nor DH have donated since because with two young children and neither of us working nearby it's just too much of a hassle. Especially as when they call to chase us they can't even book you in for like 6+ weeks time so it's not as if you can drop in whenever or go when you end up having an empty weekend or whatever. It's a shame as we both used to donate prior and same for a few of my relatives.

I've stopped booking. Every appointment cancelled and I rearrange my time around it every time, I want to help but can only assume they don't need my blood type.

I have a different problem - I can't donate as I was given blood during an op in 1981. I do understand and sympathise with the reason why - the contaminated blood scandal - but I've had several blood tests since then, including AIDS/HIV testing and given birth but still I can't donate my blood.

Such a shame as I'm also O Rh-; the most wanted blood type for donation.

We have a volunteering policy. FT staff can take 2 days off p.a. or 4 half days to give blood.

Ever thought about lying?

I used to work for NHSBTS and yeah, we have so much blood and plasma lying round in buckets we just sit there with our feet up on the desks eating biscuits, and knitting or doing crosswords. We really can't be arsed with the whole "saving patient lives" bit. Just a con, we pretend to be interested and occasionally get Barbara in admin to phone a few people to keep up the pretence but honestly, we don't want any more of your blood, its more hassle than it's worth. We have so much of the stuff we just pour some of it down the drains if we want to get home early.

Seriously, your post is massively offensive. It might have somehow escaped your attention but the NHS is on its arse and we're seriously struggling for staff, resources and MONEY. Your ignorance is astounding.

It's very difficult especially if you don't have "interesting" blood. DD has ro sub types so they are very flexible about taking hers and keen to get more. DP on the other hand has boring blood and has trouble finding a slot.

I have a different frustration with the service. Last time I gave blood, pre Covid, I went on my lunch break for a pre booked appointment. Waited 45 minutes for the finger prick test only to be told I couldn’t donate anyway because of my iron levels. Why on earth can’t they check your iron first and then let you wait until a bed is free? My entire lunch break was wasted for nothing and I can’t even give blood anymore because of my iron levels but the gp said just a week later that my iron was perfectly normal.

I’m exactly the same.
I can’t donate because there’s literally no appointments after work.

I always look and there are multiple slots for during the day but none for after work or weekends.

@MiddleParking did they ban kids completely? It was deffo no kids during covid but when things were opening up they kept ringing me every 5 minutes and I kept saying 'but I have my child with me' and in the end I got someone to say 'well..you can bring them if you have no other childcare' so I did and it was fine.

No problem with appointments here (Scotland). Last time I donated I did it in a lunch break - booked the appointment an hour before going! I’m next eligible later this month and looking at available appointments I can book pretty much any time between noon and 1840.

I can’t find the email now but I got something recently saying no more kids in the centres.

Yes, I've thought about it but haven't yet. Seems that is the only way I can- over 40 years later I can consider my blood as safe as can be - it ain't killed me yet.

I'm AB + which is the most useless blood so they have said they don't need any at the moment . I live quite near the pop up donationpoint and I'm retired . I really used to enjoy donating as well !

I work in this area and we are desperate for donations. There is a national shortage of blood (were on amber alert for stock shortages earlier in the year including cancelling surgeries). But it stems from a national shortage of donor carers and ancillary staff to run the community drives you all talk about rather than a shortage of donors (though we always welcome new donor's).

I know it's frustrating when they can't find a suitable time/place but please don't give up hope.

Are those paid roles? Can volunteers help?

I've given up. I find it impossible to make an appointment at a convenient time when I'm not working. They used to do Sunday appointments but they have stopped round here.

Yes same in NI..wonder why they don't put donation centres in large hospitals..people visiting relatives or in for out patient appointments might be much more inclined to give blood as they are there anyway.

Why is it your employer’s problem that you can’t get evening appointments. I think that’s why people are voting YABU.

Interesting, thanks for the info! But why hasn't recruitment been planned better? I know, money.

I'm another one who finds it very frustrating. You get all this chat about how important the donation is, but it doesn't really feel like it when you actually try. It used to be so easy when I was a student. That's how they got me. Saw the session in the union and just wandered in. Done.

I'm not able to give blood as have received transfusions myself. I'm shocked as to how difficult it is for people to donate these days. Thank you to all those that have donated, I would have died during childbirth without donated blood.