Had anyone given blood since lockdown?

[SophieGiroux]

I've got an appointment this week to give blood and obviously I know it's really important to go and do it. However, I'm a bit apprehensive about how safe it will be. Had anyone else done it and know if they are keeping social distancing etc? Do the staff wear masks? The biggest risk would probably be getting it from one of them as they must come into contact with a lot of people. I really want to help but don't want to put my family at risk by doing it.

I cancelled my last appointment as I was really ill for about 3 weeks at the beginning of Feb, bad cough, chest pain and laid up in bed for a lot of time.

My friend did it and she said they were keeping everyone further apart etc. You still get a snack...not sure about masks

I did it. No one was wearing masks. I was told to get water and there was a girl sat waiting on the chair right by the water so I had no choice but to go near her and ended up knocking all the cups over... it was fairly quiet though so I generally had space while waiting and had to stand in doorway and answer questions about symptoms before entering reception. Proximity to HCPs was same as usual.

Yes went on Monday just gone.

Everyone was kept far apart, LOTs of disinfecting of everything including pens used to fill out forms, they had a clean and a used pot.

All The staff members kept their distance and they warned that they would be unable to speak to me while inserting the needle or checking the equipment to minimise risk of droplets from mouths spreading.

No masks but like I say lots of hand sanitising and disinfecting of everything.

I was really impressed with hygiene and efficiency.