Oldhamers targeted in blood plasma donor appeal

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Oldham who’ve had coronavirus during the current lockdown to register as blood plasma donors.

People who’ve had the virus can donate their antibody-rich plasma, which could save the lives of people who are still seriously ill.

The high number of cases in the area means more and more people could donate and more and more people could benefit from transfusion.

Around 1,700 donations have been made in nearby Manchester so far, at the donor centres in Norfolk House and Plymouth Grove.

People can register as donors online.

Around 70 people have received transfusions of plasma at hospitals in Greater Manchester since the treatment began to be used in April.

NHS Blood and Transplant is collecting blood plasma for COVID treatment – known as convalescent plasma – around the country.

The neutralising antibodies in the plasma could stop the virus spreading.

Paul Mates, aged 50, a married security officer with two children, is a high antibody donor, who donates at Manchester Plymouth Grove.

He said: “I was in April. It felt fine to donate plasma.

"The machines takes blood out and spins it around to get the plasma and then the blood comes back in. It was quick, about 40 minutes.

“If my plasma can help other people, I am happy to do it.

"If I can help someone else who is ill, that is great.”

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “If you’ve had coronavirus, donation is a way you can help the city during any lockdown.

“We urgently need people from Greater Manchester donate to help treat patients in the trials and make sure stocks can be made available if the trials are a success.

“We especially need male donors as they generally have higher antibody levels.”

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and several pop-up donor centres.

Plasma is being collected for use in the RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP trials, and if the trials are successful, general use in hospitals.

Donation takes about 45 minutes.

Your body usually replaces the donated plasma and donated antibodies.

People can donate plasma as often as every week.

Anyone who has had coronavirus, either a test result or the symptoms, can offer to donate by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk

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