BLOOD donors are being urged to keep donating as normal if they are fit and healthy.

Both permanent donation centres in Greater Manchester are open with appointments running as normal even though Tier 3 restrictions are in place.

Peter Baughan, Head of Blood Donation for the North at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We have seen a fantastic response from blood donors so far in the pandemic and blood stocks have remained good.

“With these updated Covid-19 measures coming into effect in the community, it’s important for anyone in the area who has an upcoming appointment to donate blood to please stick to it if you can.

"Blood donation remains essential for NHS and patient care and is exempt from travel restrictions

" Blood saves lives and donating is something you can do to help the NHS at this time.Extra safety measures are in place on session and our doors are very much open.”

Both Manchester donor centre’s appointment fill rates for the next four weeks currently average around 47% full, so new and existing donors are encouraged to book appointments now to ensure there is enough blood available to supply hospitals in the coming weeks and months.

Extra appointments have been made available in Manchester and elsewhere to help meet the rising demand for blood from hospitals over the coming weeks as elective surgery continues to resume.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, extra safety measures have been introduced across all blood donation sessions. All donors are triaged with a temperature check on arrival as an additional measure to protect staff and donors. If a donor has a temperature of 37.5 or above – which is a Covid-19 risk factor – they will not be able to donate or enter the session.

When entering, hand gels and hand washing facilities are available, donors are spaced apart and staff are doing extra cleaning. Staff are wearing face masks and donors are required to wear a face covering and keep it on throughout their time on session, removing it only for refreshments.