Cambrigeshire fire stations to take blood donations

Earlier this month, Wisbech Fire Station opened its doors to offer blood donor sessions to the local community. This was the first time NHSBT has teamed up with the fire service in Cambridgeshire to provide an innovative and cost saving solution and it was a resounding success. Over 100 donors turned out to donate on the day.

Showing his support for the new collaboration was Chief Fire Officer, Chris Strickland who attended the session and gave his first donation. Commenting on the partnership, Chris said: “We’re delighted to work with the NHSBT in offering our fire stations as a venue for their sessions. Our fire stations are in the heart of the communities we serve, and whilst the cost to us for providing the venues is minimal, the partnership will create significant savings for the NHSBT that can be re-invested back in to what is a vital lifesaving service.

“It was a pleasure to welcome so many local people in on the day who were able to give potentially lifesaving donations.”

NHSBT assistant director of blood donation Matt Jones added: “Not only did the Wisbech Fire Station session save 312 lives but it saved the NHSBT £595 in venue costs on the day. This is the start of a beneficial partnership for both CFRS and NHSBT for the long term which we hope to progress to other stations in the area in the near future.”

Anyone interested in giving blood is encouraged to register as a blood donor or call 0300 123 23 23. Once registered, donors can sign into their online account and book a session at their closest venue. CFRS is hoping to expand the service to other fire stations across the county in 2018.