I am just back after my third blood donation this afternoon. I feel very proud to have been able to played my part in helping patients, yet this feeling, and the ease of the donation process has got me thinking: With this year being such a landmark year for the NHS (70th Anniversary: 5th July 2018), why do more people not give blood?
I just thought for what its worth that I would briefly share some of my experiences of donating blood, and hope to raise discussion about this very important issue which lies close to my heart.
My Initial Thoughts and Fears
When I went to donate, particularly with my first donation, my biggest fear was the needle. Many people at Uni who I have spoken to about blood donation say the same thing - the thought of the needle, and prolonged discomfort, puts them off.
However, as with most worries, people (myself included) tend to imagine the very worst, whilst the reality is nowhere near as bad.
My worst fears before my first donation surrounded the experience being physically uncomfortable, and of course the needle. But in reality, my fears were simply not justified.
The Reality
The reality is that the needle is nothing more than a small prick. Its insertion is not painful at all, and the slight prick is only noticed for less than a second. You just don't feel the needle once it has been inserted. I also found, for me, that simply looking away whilst the needle is being inserted reduces any anxieties, as it takes less that a second to insert. You don't feel it after that, I promise.
My thoughts about the whole donation process being uncomfortable were also equally unjustified. In reality, the donation process is made to be incredibly comfortable. It took six minutes for my 470ml donation to complete today. In this time, reclining in the donor chair and having lost notice of the needle or any or even the fact that I was donating blood, I just spent thinking in my own mind. It was actually very peaceful and tranquil to have six minutes just to think - rather than being busy with things and on my feet for most of the day.
What's more, throughout the whole donation process, the staff were fantastic at putting me at ease. They were excellent in calming any anxieties I had in surrounding the needle, successfully doing everything the process as comfortable as possible. They were also very friendly and have a way about diminishing any on-the-day nerves.
Please consider donating!
We are all very blessed to have the NHS, and almost all of us will use it at some point in our lives. For its 70th Birthday this year, why not give the gift of life and make an appointment to Donate Blood?
I am happy to take any questions about my personal experiences of donating!