Welsh Blood Service Supported by Swansea Team’s Blood Drive

Employees at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea recently hosted a blood drive on site in collaboration with the Welsh Blood Service.

The Welsh Blood Service is a division of Velindre University NHS Trust and is responsible for the collection of blood in Wales and of the distribution of blood products to hospitals throughout the country.

At the session carried out at the fulfilment centre in Swansea Bay, a total of 70 donations were made, 22 of which were from new and first-time donors. At the event, two donors also signed up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

As a result of these donations, the lives of 210 people in Wales have potentially been saved.

Speaking on the event, Christopher Law, General Manager at Amazon in Swansea, said:

“The Welsh Blood Service does a fantastic job in our community and across the country, and here at Amazon in Swansea we’re proud to spread the word about the importance of blood donation. It was a pleasure to host a blood drive here at the fulfilment centre and we’re pleased to have contributed towards helping so many people.”

Ayron Fields, an employee from Amazon in Swansea who is a regular blood donor and donated blood at the drive, said:

“The information provided by the team from the Welsh Blood Service about the importance of having enough blood and blood components available for people across Wales who need it, and the gentleness with which they approach the topic, puts me at ease when donating blood and encourages me to return. The experience feels very empowering, and it feels even better to know that a life could be saved as a result of something so simple.”

Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, added:

“It’s important we recognise and give thanks to donors from organisations like Amazon who have been so committed to saving people’s lives by donating blood. Giving blood is a unique opportunity to really make a difference. Just one blood donation can actually help up to three patients.

“The Welsh Blood Service needs to collect 350 blood donations every single day to supply hospitals with blood for patients living across Wales who are in need. The service relies entirely on the generosity of donors coming forward to change lives.

“Blood transfusions are vital in supporting patients in need across the country; from emergency situations such as serious accidents and childbirth complications to supporting cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.

“Donating blood offers a unique opportunity to give something back to your community and we are very grateful to both Amazon for supporting us, and their staff for donating. Thanks to them, patients have benefitted across Wales.

“It’s never been easier to make an appointment. To start your lifesaving journey, visit: https://www.welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.”

The blood drive in collaboration with The Welsh Blood Service was organised as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.