McArthur welcomes news that the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service will return to Orkney for blood donation sessions
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed news that the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service will be returning to Orkney on 12th-14th May to hold blood donation sessions at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall from 9am-2pm.
Back in 2009, SNBTS held a highly successful trial donor session with a view to establishing whether a more regular arrangement could be put in place. Unfortunately, feasibility studies concluded in 2017 that there were "significant issues" in transporting blood reliably back to the mainland.
Mr McArthur has been campaigning for more regular blood donation services in Orkney since the original pilot, given the decline in overall donations in Scotland over recent years and high levels of support amongst island residents.
SNBTS are encouraging all prospective donors to get in touch to check their eligibility details and book their appointment. You can do this by emailing your name, date of birth, address and contact details to nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot, or via the Contact Us page at scotblood.co.uk
Commenting on the news, Mr McArthur said:
“I’m delighted to hear that SNBTS will be making a return to Orkney this May. I well remember the crowds that gathered to donate blood back in 2009 when the trial sessions were run, and constituents have contacted me regularly over the years asking why similar sessions haven’t been repeated.
“From my engagement with SNBTS, I know there have been logistical challenges in establishing more regular opportunities for islanders to donate. I’d like to thank Professor Turner and the team at SNBTS, therefore, for persevering in finding solutions to the storage and transportation issues.
"I have no doubt that the sessions in May will prove every bit as popular as those held back in 2009. Given the vital, life-saving importance of this service, I would encourage constituents to roll up their sleeves and give generously when the time comes.”