Cara from our Reception Team

I have been donating blood for 10 years. The whole process is very easy and is thoroughly explained by the staff. Firstly you complete a health check form, and they then perform a quick and painless haemoglobin test that involves pricking your finger and putting it into a vial of copper sulphate solution.

If the blood sinks to the bottom in a set time, you can donate blood. You will then be taken to a donation chair, where they will apply a blood pressure cuff to allow for a small amount of pressure to help in the donation.

Anne our Care Coordinator

I have always fancied giving blood but one of those things that you never get around to. When I saw the surgery noticeboard in our tea room that gave information of what was involved and my colleagues who donate I felt it was time to give it a go.

Knowing my friends and colleagues do it made it a lot easier and we even go together for support. My first donation was at Netherhall School at Maryport and I could not believe how easy the whole donation process was.

The staff clearly explained what was going to happen and it only took around 30 minutes. You don’t get many chances to put your feet up so it was lovely to have this time! The best part is the feeling you have knowing that you are making a difference to someone else.

Clare our Lead Nurse

I used to give blood, however only managed about 6 donations before I was diagnosed with Leukaemia, I was then on the receiving end. Without blood and blood products including plasma (FFP) and clotting factors (Platelets) I would not have survived. It is so important that people sign up to be donors and help save someone’s life.

Karen our treatment room nurse

I became a donor as my mother needed a transfusion in childbirth twice after two emergency caesarean sections. My daughter also donates as she is O negative. I had the privilege of visiting the blood bank at West Cumberland Hospital to see how it all works. Working in the NHS makes you appreciate how precious and important blood is. To date I have donated 7 pints of blood. 

Tracy from our Reception Team

Has donated a huge 12 pints of blood over several years. By donating blood made me feel so happy that I could have possibly helped someone who may have been at a time in their life when it made all the difference. I would encourage anyone to sign up or go along to a donation session.

Karen from our Admin Team

Has recently signed up to be a donor and made her first donation in the summer at the Methodist Church rooms in Cockermouth. My twin daughters both underwent major spinal surgery 3 years ago to correct their scoliosis, following their operations, whilst in intensive care they both receive a blood transfusion.

Both my girls were unwell and received 3 bags of donated blood, as soon as the transfusion was complete I could instantly see them both pick up and the difference it made to their recovery.

I became a donor to pay back what they had received and if not more. The whole donation process is really easy and nothing to feel afraid of, the staff were lovely and put you at ease. I have my next donation appointment booked already!