Defence Medical Services have joined forces with the NHS in a national campaign to boost blood donation and help save lives.
The first event, held at Main Building in London last week, saw 31 military and civilian personnel donate nearly 15 litres of blood - enough to save up to 93 adults or 186 children.
The campaign comes at a critical time, as the NHS faces a national blood shortage. Stocks of O Negative and B Negative blood types are particularly low, with the NHS estimating that there is currently less than three days' worth of O Negative blood currently available nationwide. O negative is a universal blood type, often used in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient's blood type.
The event, which was attended by the Chief of Defence People, the CEO of NHS Blood and Transplant, Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of the General Staff, marks the start of a series of blood donation sessions that will take place across Defence establishments around the UK over the coming weeks and months.
Supporting all those who volunteered their time to donate blood, Chief of Defence People, Vice Admiral Phillip Hally said:
It was great to see so many donating blood in MOD Main Building this week. We can all play a part in supporting the NHS, and these events help to make a life-saving difference. Thank you to everyone who donated, and please do look out for future events across Defence.
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Defence's collaboration with the NHS demonstrates the vital role that the Armed Forces play in supporting the nation, not just in times of crisis but in everyday efforts to improve public health, wellbeing and in making Britain safer and secure at home. The initiative also highlights the strong partnership between Defence and NHS Blood and Transplant, working together to address urgent national challenges.
Following the success of the London event, a further three defence blood donation sessions will take place at Andover, Whittington (home of the Defence Medical Services), and Corsham, with plans to expand to additional locations in the future.
Dr Jo Farrar, CEO NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
The day was a huge success, and I am very pleased to report that 43 people attended (97% of the available spaces) with 31 being able to donate. Of those, 15 individuals gave blood for the first time.
This means that, thanks to the donors and support of the MoD, we will be able to save up to 93 lives. That's people who have suffered trauma because of an accident, a child undergoing treatment for cancer, a teenager with sickle cell disease, or a woman needing blood during childbirth.
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As NHS Blood and Transplant are urging people to come forward to donate as they continue to suffer a major national blood shortage following the cyber-attacks last year. An Amber Alert has been in place for both O-negative and O-positive blood groups since last July, as well as donors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. Blood from donors from the same ethnicity can be vital for treating certain conditions where blood of the same ethnicity is required.
As National Blood Week 2025 approaches, the NHS reminds the public that all blood types are needed to help save lives. Every donation can make a difference, whether it's for a trauma patient, a child undergoing cancer treatment, or a mother in need during childbirth.
If you are eligible to donate, please consider signing up today to support this life-saving effort.
You can donate if you:
- Are fit & healthy
- Weigh between 50kg and 160kg
- Are aged between 17 - 66 (or 70 if donated before)
- Have not had a tattoo /body piercing in past 4 months
- Not received blood transfusion since 1980
To see the full list of eligibility criteria, visit: Who can give blood - NHS Blood Donation
Please note the following advice prior to your session, for a quick and easy donation:
- Eat - regular meals to avoid feeling light-headed.
- Sleep - a good night's sleep to boost wellbeing.
- Drink - plenty of fluids 24 hours before, but avoid alcohol, to help the blood flow
Together, Defence and the NHS are making a life-saving difference. Donate blood today and help save lives across the UK.
