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Zoe Ball gives blood and urges others to continue to donate amid coronavirus crisis


‘This is desperately needed’: Zoe Ball heaps praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS as she gives blood and urges others to continue to donate amid coronavirus crisis

Zoe Ball revealed she’s given blood and pleaded with her social media followers to continue to donate amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a touching post shared to Instagram on Thursday, the TV and radio host, 49, heaped praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS as she insisted that ‘blood is still desperately needed’ during the global crisis.

The brave BBC star put on a cheery display alongside a nurse as she flashed a thumbs up sign while her left arm was hooked up to a monitor in a series of beaming images.

'This is desperately needed': Zoe Ball revealed she's given blood and pleaded with her social media followers to continue to donate amid the coronavirus pandemic

‘This is desperately needed’: Zoe Ball revealed she’s given blood and pleaded with her social media followers to continue to donate amid the coronavirus pandemic

It Takes Two presenter Zoe, who first became a blood donor in June last year, wrote: ‘Just given blood – thank you to Kevin, Sandra & team at West End Donor Centre.

‘Always thanks to all the incredible NHS workers. PLEASE #keepdonating if you are able. Blood is still desperately needed #nhs #giveblood.’

Detailing the current guidelines, the broadcaster added: ‘Please keep donating blood as normal (unless you are ill)⁣.

‘Travelling to donate blood is classed as essential for the NHS.⁣.. Extra safety measures are in place at blood donation sessions. 

Reaching out: In a touching post shared to Instagram on Thursday, the TV and radio host, 49, insisted 'blood is still desperately needed' during the global crisis

Reaching out: In a touching post shared to Instagram on Thursday, the TV and radio host, 49, insisted ‘blood is still desperately needed’ during the global crisis

‘Crucially: Blood donation saves lives. #keepdonating⁣… you can sign up to give blood at blood.co.uk.’ [sic]

Earlier this week, the NHS Blood and Transplant service encouraged donors to continue to donate and revealed there hasn’t been confirmed cases of coronavirus being transmitted through the process.

The service told Evening Standard: ‘Our stock levels are currently good. However we need donors to keep donating as normal and to follow the health, hygiene and travel advice. Travel to blood donation sessions is essential

‘Donation will help keep stocks healthy so we are well prepared for the impact of the coronavirus.  

Cheery: Donor carer Kevin pictured holding Zoe's blood following her appointment

Cheery: Donor carer Kevin pictured holding Zoe’s blood following her appointment

'Thank you to Kevin, Sandra & team at West End Donor': The broadcaster also heaped praise on the 'incredible' NHS

‘Thank you to Kevin, Sandra & team at West End Donor’: The broadcaster also heaped praise on the ‘incredible’ NHS

‘We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the DHSC, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services. We’re putting in place extra safety measures and safety is always our number one priority.’ 

According to the NHS, hospitals in the UK need a staggering 6,000 blood donations every day. 

Coronavirus was classed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) last week, leading countries such as Italy, Spain and China implementing nationwide lockdowns. 

Generous: It Takes Two presenter Zoe first became a blood donor in June last year (pictured)

Generous: It Takes Two presenter Zoe first became a blood donor in June last year (pictured)

As of Thursday, 104 people have died out of 2,626 confirmed cases in the UK. 

Sporting events, music festival and other social gatherings have been either cancelled or postponed due to the crisis.  

Nearly 200,000 people around the world have been infected and almost 8,000 have died since the outbreak began last December.    

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DONATE BLOOD?

Every day hospitals in the UK need a staggering 6,000 blood donations.

In order to meet this demand, an additional 190,000 new donors are needed every year.

At this time of year, hospitals are even more in need of donors as they face a ‘Christmas slump’, as people cancel appointments.

Figures show almost half of blood donors are over the age of 45 and 81 per cent of 18-24 year olds have never given blood. 

A regular supply of all blood groups and types is needed.

Before you give blood

If you would like to donate blood, you can register online or call 0300 123 23 23.

When you log into your account, you are able to find an appointment. 

How you donate blood 

When you are comfortable in the chair, a nurse will put a cuff on your arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during donation (this does not measure blood pressure).

They then examine your arm to find a suitable vein and clean it with an antiseptic sponge.

A needle will be inserted into your arm which will collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique donor number.

You should not feel any discomfort or pain. If you do, tell a member of staff.

A scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 470ml (or just under a pint). This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.

The needle will be removed and a sterile dressing applied to your arm.

Your donation is transported to one of our blood centres where it is tested and processed before being issued to hospitals.

Source: NHS Give Blood 

 



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