Every Drop Counts: Supporting NHSBT and Lifesaving Blood Donation

“Pick Everard works in close partnership with NHSBT, supporting the national delivery of new blood and plasma donation centres, as well as critical infrastructure that underpins the safe and efficient supply of vital blood products. Our teams engage collaboratively with NHSBT stakeholders from the earliest stages to ensure each facility is designed and delivered to meet operational needs, improve donor experience, and enhance resilience across the network.”

— Matt Carter, Director

“I think it's so important because it can truly save someone's life, which could be your own one day. It takes no time at all do, the staff at the centre are amazing and you get to see where it goes after the donation. Hearing about colleagues or friends that have needed it reinforces it further. I was determined to give blood because I could, and wanted to for those who can't and want to. I was able to provide over 25 donations. I am now unable to donate due to my body increasingly struggling with the recovery so now I'm determined for others to donate if and when they can.”

— Nicola Breward, Transportation Engineer

“Giving blood is one of the most generous things you can do. I was fortunate enough to be able to donate blood for over 10-years and loved getting the updates of when and where my blood had been used to save and support others. Three years ago, I found myself needing a blood transfusion to support my cancer journey and I cannot tell you how grateful I was to be able to receive the treatment I needed. If you can, please do consider donating”

— Esther Corns, Director - Head of Bidding

“I have been donating blood since I was 18 and have recently reached 25 donations.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSB&T) have educated me on my blood type over the last few years, which has a sub-type called Ro. Only 2.2% of donors have this sub-type and is used to predominantly treat patients with Sickle Cell Disease. Ro is 10 times more common in individuals from black African or black Caribbean ethnic backgrounds than in those from white ethnic backgrounds. NHSB&T are constantly encouraging more individuals from the above ethnic backgrounds to donate blood.

I understand why giving blood doesn't appeal to everyone, but I would encourage everybody who has a desire to donate to do so. Not only is it rewarding, knowing that you've improved the condition of somebody's life or even saved a life, it is also interesting when NHSB&T inform you of when and where your blood has been donated to. As well as amazing support from all the staff throughout your donation, there's also free snacks at the end of it all. Please sacrifice an hour of your time to save a life and give blood.”

— Lauren Hruszka, Senior Submissions Coordinator