Barchester News

Over 60s urged to donate
18/07/2007
Older blood donors are to be encouraged under a new initiative to boost overall supplies in Scotland, reports the Herald.

Older blood donors are to be encouraged under a new initiative to boost overall supplies in Scotland, reports the Herald.

From today, those aged between 60 and 66 who have never donated before will be able to give blood, after the old age limit is extended to allow for more stocks to be collected.

Previous concerns over the safety issues involved in older people have been eased as research showed that older donors are perfectly capable of giving blood and it will not affect their health.

Extra health checks will be carried out beforehand, while a lifestyle and health questionnaire will ensure that donors are safe to carry on.

Existing donors can give blood until the age of 70, so any older people who sign up now will be able to help for a number of years.

Organisers of the scheme hope that it will encourage more volunteers to give blood on a regular basis and to ease concerns over a possible shortage, as figures show that supplies are ten per cent lower than in 2004.

Over 60s in England will also be able to donate for the first time if the new age limit is brought in next month as expected.