The privatisation of the National Blood Service? Say 'No to Blood Money'!

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4 March 2011

Staff representatives from the National Blood Service (NBS) have written to chief executive, Linda Hamlyn, and to NBS board members warning that the privatisation of the NBS could have serious effects on the fragile relationship between the service and its donors.

Around three million UK citizens give their blood every year. Unite says it is the ultimate "big society" service but the essence of the service would be fundamentally altered if a profit-motive was introduced to any part of the service.

Unite is demanding a full written report from the NBS board setting out what discussions have taken place with potential bidders, what decisions have been made and what time scales there might be regarding possible privatisation.

The union also wants MPs currently scrutinising the Health and Social Care bill to look seriously at ways to preserve the NBS so that profit-making companies are not handed parts of the service to operate, arguing that the only motive for the service ought to be the collection and distribution of blood for the common good.

To read the full article click HERE.

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Cord Blood Donation Information.

Though about donating cord blood after the birth of your baby ? Want to know more about how to go about it ?

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after a baby is born. It is rich in stem cells, which can help to cure many life threatening diseases.

The stem cells found in cord blood restore the function of the patient’s immune and blood producing systems. It is an alternative to using bone marrow, with the advantage of being immediately available when required.

Following the birth of a baby, the placenta and umbilical cord are usually thrown away along with these life saving stem cells.

To view the NHS Cord Blood Bank Website please click HERE.

This is a relatively new procedure, but more hospitals are to be involved in the near future.