To think the NHS could do better if they are so desperate for blood?

[chickpea1982]

Apparently the NHS are desperate for blood at the moment. I have O negative blood, which is in particularly high demand. I've just tried, and failed, to find an appointment - not for the first time either. There is nothing near me for the rest of the year (I live in Surrey, not the depths of beyond). I have 3 kids and a job, so my availability is pretty limited anyway, but still - nothing?!

I'm told that they would offer priority appointments once I've had my first appointment and they have confirmed my blood type, which is just ridiculous. The NHS has records of my blood type already. And I can't get a first appointment!!

Also, you can't bring kids with you, even babies. That further restricts when I could go and how far I could go as I'd have to get someone else to look after the kids.

It's like they are making it intentionally hard! Surely they could do better if they are so desperate?

She needs to take that higher as they have no reason to store her personal details.
I had similar with Hello Fresh (obv not the same as the donor service but it pissed me off). Oh and some Oven cleaning service.

When you've told them you no longer want to be contacted they need to remove you from their lists.

It has got hard to get an appointment. Although I'm A+ so my blood isn't in as much demand. When I was at university you just wandered into the hall and they took it. That's how I first did it. But appointments are always months out and they fill up and venues aren't always convenient. I presume they are lacking cash and trying to maximise efficiency and it comes at the expense of it being easy for donors. I guess so long as they get enough blood you can argue that's sensible. The system isn't there to make us feel good about donating, it's there to give people blood.

It’s not totally a competency issue, but MHRA regulations to ensure a safe blood supply. NHSBT venepuncturists, from whatever background, are mandated to have very specific training and constant evaluation of adherence to rigorous MHRA SOPs to comply with the regulations required in producing products for what is in effect is a transplant (albeit a liquid one) into patients. It would be very difficult for “drop in” volunteers, however competent in other roles, to meet the strict requirements and constant evaluation required by MHRA.