Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action he is taking to increase the level of blood donations in each of the next five years; [153566]
(2) what steps he is taking to increase the level of blood donorship in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [154396]
§ Mr. DenhamThe National Blood Service (NBS) plans to recruit 420 000 more donors in the financial year 2001 to 2002. Future recruitment of donors will depend on the demands for blood. The NBS target for collection 241W is produced annually based on the success of a rolling marketing and communication plan to maximise blood collection.
NBS is working to recruit and retain donors by mailing campaigns and television and radio advertising. A new campaign will be launched later this year. These encourage more frequent donation patterns and NBS research has shown that the "Give Blood" message is successful. Communication with donors continues through a series of initiatives which include the NBS magazine "The Donor", sent to donors twice yearly, contacting donors to remind them of their next donor session and further development the NBS website with plans to include on-line invitations to give blood.