MSP JOINS THE CAMPAIGN FOR MORE BLOOD DONORS (Jim Hume)

MSP JOINS THE CAMPAIGN FOR MORE BLOOD DONORS

September 24, 2009 10:00 AM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has spoken out on the importance of giving blood.

The MSP made the comments during a Scottish Parliament debate on the work of the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service.

Jim Hume MSP said:

"My daughter was given a blood change as a newborn baby, something which undeniably saved her life, so I'm acutely aware of how important giving blood is. As a result, I give blood as often as possible and it's always a worthwhile exercise to take an hour out of your day to do it whether at your local hospital or the mobile service which travels around Scotland, including outside the Parliament building, which I can recommend.

"So I hope that employers will be proactive and allow staff time off to donate blood because I'm sure that one of the reasons people don't give blood is simply because they can't find the time. Having an hour or so off from their work would undoubtedly encourage people to give blood and with the essential mobile service, giving blood is now easier than ever before as it tries to fit in with busy lives.

"I have always reminded staff that they are free to take time out to donate - they do - and it is sensible that employers play a big role in helping the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service.

The MSP continued:

"The Scottish Blood Transfusion should of course be congratulated on its campaign launched just last year which so far has recruited an extra 10,000 donors. That campaign will continue and I hope that through the continued advertising and other ways of reaching the public, the Service will go on to recruit another 10,000.

"This debate in the meantime, can at least go some way towards helping the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service's campaign."

ENDS