NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has revealed that more than 4,000 people in Ealing have become blood donors and their plasma is being used to help and improve dozens of lives a year.
With a current total of 4,073 blood donors across Ealing and its seven towns, the NHS revealed that for the first time in 25 years plasma is being used to make medicines including immunoglobulin to save lives for NHS patients without the need of importing it.
According to NHS Blood and Transplant, the medicines can only be made from human blood and over the last three years, plasma from blood donors across London and England has been stored and has been made into medicine in a week.
The NHS says it previously used to rely on imported plasma medicines which can cause issues with delays in supply and price increases.
The new supply of UK plasma medicines is set to increase the amount being made available to NHS and it is seeking more people to donate.
Daniel Cooper, NHSBT assistant director for Blood Donation Operations, said: “Thanks to our amazing blood and plasma donors in London and across England, for the first time in a quarter of a century, patients are now receiving plasma medicines made from donations taken in England.
Mr Cooper added: “We need more blood donors to help make more of these medicines and build UK self-sufficiency.”
Dr Susan Walsh, chief executive officer of Immunodeficiency UK, said: “This is a historic moment – patients from London can now get lifesaving and life-improving immunoglobulin medicine made from the plasma of UK blood and plasma donors.”
Dr Walsh added: “Immunoglobulins recognise dangerous micro-organisms and help the immune cells to neutralise them. It’s a vital treatment for people with immune disorders. We urge people in London to try blood donation. Your red blood cells will be used as normal. But now the blood plasma can also help vulnerable people with immune disorders.”
To give blood, visit: www.blood.co.uk
