§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people gave blood in South Tyneside in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; how many are projected to do so in 2002; and what plans he has to encourage blood-giving. [15025]
§ Jacqui SmithInformation on blood donation is available only by financial year. In south Tyneside, the number of blood donors were:
Number 1999–2000 6,258 2000–01 5,979 April 2001 to end of October 2001 3,449 2001–021 5,767 1 Projected figure This year the National Blood Service (NBS) are working with south Tyneside council's 'Partners for Life' initiative, south Tyneside hospital's 'Saving Lives Together' campaign and south Tyneside college to recruit new blood donors.
The NBS have undertaken national and regional television and radio advertising, as well as direct mailing, to target new and existing donors. They have also run more public blood donor sessions and are reviewing the donation process to find ways of reducing waiting times for donors.