Hampshire bloodmobile's days could be numbered
A MOBILE blood collection bus which operates across south Hampshire could be mothballed as part of a review of the service.
NHS Blood and Transplant is considering replacing the Southampton-based ‘bloodmobile’ with blood collections at venues including church halls. The bloodmobile makes regular visits to workplaces across Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant and Gosport.
Director of blood donation, Mike Stredder, said: ‘By holding blood donation sessions at larger venues, rather than a three-bed bloodmobile, we can deliver better value for the NHS.
‘We can also offer more appointments and generally have more space which can make it more comfortable for some of our donors.’
The service collects the blood hospitals require to treat patients.
Mr Stredder said: ‘Changes in clinical practice have also meant that across the country, and globally, there is a reduced need for blood.’
He said the change would not happen until more consultation took place.
‘I would like to reassure all donors in the south Hampshire area that if we do go ahead and make changes we will write to them to let them know where else they can donate,’ he added.