Giving blood, is it really this difficult !

[Smilesonfaces]

This time last year I decided to start giving blood again. I used to donate regularly but last time was about 20 years ago. I registered last January and the first appointment I could get was June. I had to cancel this as I had my ears pierced. I rebooked for earliest appointment they had which was October and the service cancelled, I rebooked for January and they again have just cancelled. I thought the country was desperate for blood donations !

I just wondered if this was normal or is it just this area ?

[maudyhill]

I have had mine cancelled twice.
I think it depends on your blood type .
When they are short staffed and these days no one can predict how many are going to be off. So I would imagine they would cancel those with a more common blood group?

[Smilesonfaces]

Maybe that’s it then. I am A+ so probably a common type. It’s been a year now, not sure if it’s worth rebooking.

[lizzie145]

I've also given up trying to donate, booking that far in advance is ridiculous

[Kirky123]

I've given blood today and just made my next appointment for 5th May. I've never had a problem booking an appointment so maybe it is location and how many sessions they have in an area. Mind you I am O negative so maybe thats also a factor.

[Leanne1977]

Its been like this a lot with DH and he is O- so very much in demand.

[katiec68]

I book mine the night I get home from giving blood - if i leave it any later there are no spaces at convenient times.

I felt dreadful when i was supposed to go last week so I tried to reschedule my appointment - its an 8 week wait

[jas72]

I can’t give Blood as the Belgians don’t like British blood 🩸

[RachaelC]

Originally Posted by jas72

I can’t give Blood as the Belgians don’t like British blood 🩸

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I can’t give blood as the British don’t like my British blood! I had a blood transfusion as a baby, so I’m so grateful to everyone who donates their blood, I just wish I could donate mine to give back.

[marypoppins38]

I also can’t give blood due to having an autoimmune disease. A huge thanks to everyone who does. I think it’s brilliant that you do that for people you will never know.