I've only recently become able to give blood, as I'd previously been under the minimum weight limit, but when Christmas came and went and I found myself teetering at the limit I decided that before I lose any weight I'd go and give blood.
I had a look on the website beforehand and realised I was unable to book a slot online (I believe this is possible with the Glasgow centre), so I decided just to show up at 11am on a Saturday. Which was a silly idea as of course they were very busy at this time, particularly so as a large group of friends had all arrived together. It turns out that regular donors get fast-tracked, which was frustrating as I sat in the waiting area for an hour seeing people who had only just come in get seen near enough straight away. I did ask about this a couple of times, and eventually I was told it was because I'm a new donor. I completely understand this, but it ought to have been explained to myself and the other new donors who had to wait a very long time when we first arrived, as it is off-putting and frustrating. That's the only reason it's not getting 5 stars really.
When I was eventually seen the nurses were friendly and helpful, though a little concerned because of my slightness. All risks were explained to me, and they were happy to let me go ahead if I was happy to, which I was. I was advised to go and drink some water before heading through to the donor suite, which I did, and when I arrived in the suite I only had to wait a couple of minutes before being shown to a bed myself. The donation took ten minutes or so (it won't take longer than fifteen as the machine cuts out after then). Unfortunately for me the needle had gone in next to a nerve, so it was really rather painful, but a couple of pumps of the ligature dulled the pain sufficiently to let me continue. And after I'd donated when I felt a bit faint, I got to be tipped upside down - fun!
And then it's on to refreshments, juice, tea, coffee and as much Tunnock's as you can fit in your mouth. A welcome reward for a good deed. Assuming I am still able to give blood in a few months' time I will, as I know the pain I experienced is rare, and if I'm able to help save someone's life for only a few minutes' discomfort to myself I'm more than happy to! Why wouldn't anyone?! read more