Extra safety measures have been put in place for blood donors in Dorset.

Throughout the current coronavirus pandemic, the NHS needs more blood donations than ever before and they have taken steps to ensure the safety of their donors.

A Blood and Transplant spokesperson for the NHS said: “We need people in Dorset who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak.

"We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority.

"We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.

“A lot of people have called us asking if sessions are still going ahead. We need them to know that our sessions and donor centres are still open and that travel to a blood donation session is essential for the NHS.

"Blood donation is a reason to do something amazing. Blood donation saves lives."

Donors do not need to be concerned about passing the virus via a blood donation. There is no evidence to show that that virus can be transmitted in this way.

Due to government restrictions, those aged over 70 and anyone that falls into the vulnerable category is unable to donate at the moment.

The spokesperson added: “We’re asking donors in Dorset to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government. We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England (PHE), and the UK’s other blood donation services.

"Donations have dropped though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations. We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months. Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there.”

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