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Thank you for the personal views regarding promoting blood donation
among British Muslims. I work for the National Blood Service as a staff
nurse on the Oxford collection team.
I am particularly interested because I am writing a paper for a module on
my degree course concerning exactly that. How can I influence increased
donations in ethnic groups? Your views are very timely as the NBS is
looking at how they can improve on this.
You are right to point out that a lot of Muslims are deferred due to
malarial travel resrictions. This does put off anyone who comes in to
donate and they feel rejected.I must point out that soon a Malarial
Antibody Test (MAT) will hopefully be released through out the UK.
Currently, it is used only In London and some surrounding postcodes. The
MAT will allow a much shorter deferral time and still maintain blood
quality.
I would like to see a new nurse role developed in the NBS. I can see scope
for a nurse with bi-ligual skills to tap areas with a higher population
on ethnic groups. Pre-donation interviews could be done and save time on
the donation day. This nurse could work with community groups to inhance
awareness of the need for blood. Many questions could be answered and
vital feedback to the NBS on issues that concern them.
If anyone has any ideas, I welcome their views on this subject. My paper
is due in two weeks time and I would love to explore some different ideas.
Your comments regarding increasing Muslim blood donations
Thank you for the personal views regarding promoting blood donation
among British Muslims. I work for the National Blood Service as a staff
nurse on the Oxford collection team.
I am particularly interested because I am writing a paper for a module on
my degree course concerning exactly that. How can I influence increased
donations in ethnic groups? Your views are very timely as the NBS is
looking at how they can improve on this.
You are right to point out that a lot of Muslims are deferred due to
malarial travel resrictions. This does put off anyone who comes in to
donate and they feel rejected.I must point out that soon a Malarial
Antibody Test (MAT) will hopefully be released through out the UK.
Currently, it is used only In London and some surrounding postcodes. The
MAT will allow a much shorter deferral time and still maintain blood
quality.
I would like to see a new nurse role developed in the NBS. I can see scope
for a nurse with bi-ligual skills to tap areas with a higher population
on ethnic groups. Pre-donation interviews could be done and save time on
the donation day. This nurse could work with community groups to inhance
awareness of the need for blood. Many questions could be answered and
vital feedback to the NBS on issues that concern them.
If anyone has any ideas, I welcome their views on this subject. My paper
is due in two weeks time and I would love to explore some different ideas.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests