THE Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is looking for new donors over the festive season.

And you can help by donating blood at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Monday December 19 between 2pm-4pm and 5.30pm–7.30pm or Wednesday December 28 between 2pm-4pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

To book your appointment, call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm), use the online donor account, or email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot.

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Appointments are available up to eight weeks in advance of the session. Online booking closes 14hrs before session begins.

If you are unable to attend, other opportunities are available in January and these include:

January 8 at the Walkershaugh Community Centre in Peebles between 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm.

January 9 at the Corn Exchange Melrose between 2pm – 4pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

January 22 at the Victoria Hall Selkirk between 10.10am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm

January 23 at the Volunteer Hall in Duns between 2pm – 4pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

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Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher of the SNBTS said: “The donor base in Scotland has 96,726 active blood donors, and we are grateful to them. We can see lots of donors, who were so committed during the pandemic, may now have got out of the habit.

“We are asking people to book an appointment at your local donor centre, or one of the many community sessions across the country.

“Blood donors have an essential part to play in supporting NHS Scotland this winter. Every week, in December, we aim to welcome 3,411 donors. We would like to welcome more group bookings – giving blood with friends, colleagues, or your club is a very valuable thing to do.

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“We are delighted over 30 companies in Scotland have organised group bookings as part of their corporate blood collection programme. Please consider signing up to join them.

“Maintaining a safe and regular supply of blood to hospitals is our top priority. The need for blood does not take a rest, and we will be collecting blood on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and Hogmanay.

“We are asking people to take time out of their busy schedules one these dates in particular. Thank you to everyone who has supported patients in Scotland in 2022. We look forward to welcoming you soon.”