One In Four Donors Have Blood That Helps Critically Ill Newborn Babies
Around one in four donors in England have the blood needed to help critically-ill newborn babies, health officials have revealed.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said a quarter of the nation’s 800,000 donors had their latest units labelled NEO, which means it is suitable to be given to babies in neonatal units.
Newborns can only receive blood that is free of cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that most adults are exposed to during their lives.
While it remains in the body harmlessly, it can be fatal to babies who have underdeveloped immune systems.
It comes as NHSBT called for more people to become regular donors, with a particular need for O negative, B negative and Ro blood.
One donation can help three adults or six babies, it said.
Meghan Lusby credited blood donors for saving the life of her son Joey Thacker, now two.
Joey and his twin sister Eva were admitted to neonatal intensive care after they were born at 27 weeks and he required surgery for a perforated bowel two days later.
The baby boy remained at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre for eight months and had more blood transfusions.
Miss Lusby, 26, who lives in Lincoln with her partner Cobie Thacker, said: “Every time Joey went into surgery the doctors weren’t sure if he was going to make it. It was life or death, basically.
“But it wasn’t just the doctors who saved his life, it was blood donors too. Joey would not be here if the hospital did not have the blood he needed in that moment.”
Blood donor Katie Parker, 43, from Birmingham, recently found out that her donations were suitable for newborn babies.
The mother of two, who works in logistics, said: “I had no idea I had NEO blood until the donor carer at my last donation told me my blood was suitable for babies and showed me the blue tag.
“I’d tell anyone who is considering donating to give it a go. It’s so easy and you never know who you will help.”
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHSBT, said: “Every donor can be proud that their generous act will save or improve the life of a seriously-ill child or adult.
“And we know our donors feel especially touched if they see a blue ‘NEO’ tag on their donation bag, knowing their blood can help the most vulnerable patients.
“The NHS needs new donors to maintain the supply of lifesaving blood to patients of all ages. Please register today and book an appointment. Giving blood is quick and easy, and you will save a life.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub