A CALL has been made to find more than 1,000 new blood plasma donors across the Reading and Wokingham areas.
The NHS is holding its first-ever Plasma Donation Week this week, just two years after a change in the law allowed collections to be restarted.
Plasma is made into a medicine called immunoglobulin, which can treat more than 50 diseases by strengthening or stabilising the immune system. Last year, 525 people across the Thames Valley received immunoglobulin
The plasma donor centre on Reading’s Kings Road has welcomed 2,266 donors – but more are needed to help people like Scott Taylor from Reading.
His wife, Barbara ‘Bea’ Taylor, a 42-year-old children’s worker from west Reading, donates plasma after he was treated with immunoglobulin medicine made from plasma.
Scott had immune thrombocytopenia, an autoimmune disorder. His body was destroying his own platelets, the tiny cells that help blood to clot, putting him at risk of serious internal bleeding.
He was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and treatment included intravenous infusions of immunoglobulin.
They first noticed the illness when he developed tell-tale purple coloured pinprick bruises on his skin. His platelet count was around 2-3% of what it should be.
Bea said: “I just think donating is a good way to give back. You never know when you are going to need it. The donor centre staff are lovely and it’s very calm and quiet.
“I was surprised how similar it was to donating blood.
“We never expected Scott to need treatment, it was totally out of the blue. Now I donate and you never know whose life that little bag of plasma will change.”
NHS research shows that awareness is low but willingness to donate is high.
Near the Reading centre, most people have still not heard about plasma donation but when asked 53% of people would be happy to donate.
As part of the awareness week, there will be recruitment events in the University of Reading and Broad St. Mall shopping centre.
Paula Ussher, Manager of Reading Plasma Donor Centre, said: “Donating plasma is safe and easy – and it feels great to donate and provide life-saving medicines.
“We know most people haven’t heard of plasma donation but when they do find out about it, they want to save lives.
“This year, we need more than 1,000 more people to become regular donors at our centre, to improve supplies for the long term.
“We’re proud of our donors. Please join them by searching ‘donate plasma’ to register now.”
And this was echoed by Dr Rachael O’Brien, a consultant immunologist at Frimley Park Hospital, whose team covers Reading and Berkshire, said: “As an immunologist, I see how plasma donation helps to save and improve lives.
“Plasma is a lifesaving part of your blood which can be made into immunoglobulin medicines, which strengthen and stabilise the immune system.
“Many people in Berkshire may not ever have heard of plasma donation. But you have a medicine in you which has the power to save and transform someone’s life.”
For more details, or to help, search ‘donate plasma’ to register now or visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma
