Ceredigion residents are being called upon to help patients in need by giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service.

Across Ceredigion around 150 donations of blood and blood products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Despite the pandemic, hospitals still need daily blood donations to treat patients with a range of conditions, including mothers and babies during childbirth; cancer patients receiving chemotherapy as part of their treatment; and by patients involved in emergencies.

One donation has multiple uses as it can be split into three products red cells, platelets and fresh-frozen plasma, meaning one donation can save or improve up to three adults or six babies lives.

Appointments are available on 11, 12 and 13 October at Borth Community Hall and on 29 October at Dôl Wiber, Newcastle Emlyn.

Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “Every day around 350 donations are needed to help the 20 hospitals in Wales we supply, including the four hospitals in the Hywel Dda Health Board region.

“We’ve always had great support from our donors in the area, but we’re hopeful that more residents will consider becoming blood donors themselves and supporting us. At this time, attendance at some of our clinics is not what we would like it to be.

“We are particularly calling on existing O blood type donors to come forward. If you are a new donor and don’t know your type don’t worry, please sign up and we’ll do that bit for you.

“On average we collect around 300 potentially lifesaving donations in Ceredigion each month.

“As a service, we rely on the generosity of people living in Wales to provide vital donations to patients.

“By giving up just one hour of your time, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference to people in your community and beyond.”

Additional safety measures have also been introduced at the donation sessions, social distancing guidelines are followed, all staff wear PPE, and every item is cleaned between use.

Alan continued: “If you’ve never donated before, why not try something incredible this week – sign up to donate at one of the sessions in your local area and become a lifesaver.”

If you are aged between 17 and 66, book a lifesaving donation at www.welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266 today.