Scotland’s first new blood donor centre venue in at least 60 years has opened at The Centre, Livingston – at a crucial point in history for the nation’s blood donors.
Recent exceptional weather combined with the easing of pandemic restrictions has led to a dip in group O and A blood donations – and with elective surgeries recommencing across the country, the need for donations is rising.
Livingston Donor Centre, situated in The Centre, aims to bring in 210 donations each week from donors living, shopping and working in the area. Designed to make blood donation easier by placing the facility within a busy shopping centre (with excellent transport links and ample parking) the hope is the venue makes it easier for local people to build giving blood into their regular routines.
Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, says: “We’re delighted to be opening our new venue in Livingston today. It’s a fantastic new facility which will play a huge part in saving lives across Scotland in the future.
“This is the very first time we’ve opened a blood donor centre in a brand new Scottish location since the 1960’s – up until now, our donor centres have all been based in our biggest cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.
“However, no matter where you live, patients in Scotland need you to make an extra special effort to give blood in the coming days.
“The good weather, lockdown easing and the school holidays, mean we really need donors with the blood group O and A – that’s O-, O+, A- and A+ donors in particular.
“Please make a special effort to keep your appointment, and let us know if you need to cancel. If you’ve never given blood before, or haven’t for a while, now is the time to donate.
“The Livingston Donor Centre is currently a pilot, and we plan to be in this venue for six months. we welcome all donor feedback on the blood donor centre, its location, donating hours and your donation experience there.”
- Please make an appointment to give blood at Livingston Blood Donor Centre.
- You can book your appointment by creating your online donor account at www.scotblood.co.uk, contacting us online, or by phoning 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
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