6 December 2010
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is urging people to give blood over the festive season, when demand is at its yearly peak.
Her plea came after she allowed members of her staff, three of whom had never given blood before, paid time off from work to give blood at a recent donor session at the Ironworks in Inverness.
The MSP, who earlier this year led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the subject, strongly supports the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) bid to persuade more people to come forward. She commented: “I know the weather has been a challenge to everyone over the past week or so but I would urge people to make the effort to go out and give blood as it is so desperately needed.
“I would also ask employers to give their staff time off during working hours to donate as one of the most common reasons for people not donating is lack of time.
“I believe that employers, large and small, can play a part in improving the situation by allowing staff paid time off from work to attend donor sessions.
“I appreciate the current financial pressures many companies and organisations are facing, but it is important to consider giving staff members the opportunity to donate blood without incurring financial penalties for this.”
Details of the sessions are below but anyone wanting more details can call the Helpline 0845 9090999
