Hansard

I apologise that I am not in the chamber this evening, because the order of business was changed, but, like others, I so wanted to speak in this debate. I thank Fulton MacGregor for bringing this important debate to the chamber and I join him and others in commending the work of Give Blood 4 Good, which has done a great deal, as we have heard, to encourage young people to donate blood.

I, too, thank all those who continue to come forward and donate. Donations make sure that hospitals continue to have a good supply of blood. As we have heard, demand can be really unpredictable and blood has a very short shelf life, so there is no such thing as too many donors—blood is always in high demand.

We must never underestimate the impact that a single donation can make. As the motion states,

“each blood donation has the potential to save or improve up to three lives”.

That is why we must continue to champion and celebrate the work of organisations and charities such as Give Blood 4 Good, which help to raise awareness of the difference that one donation can make.

As we heard, Give Blood 4 Good was established when it became clear that there was a gap in young people’s awareness and education around giving blood. Many were not fully informed on the life-changing impact that blood donations can have, and Give Blood 4 Good sets out to change that. Through innovations, it has worked to improve young people’s education and understanding in order to encourage as many as possible to donate. Its young ambassador programme helps to break down the fears and misconceptions that are commonly associated with donating blood. It educates young people when they are still at school, allowing them to be well informed before they turn 17. That is key, because 17 is the age at which young people can make their first donation. Understanding the importance of blood donation before that is therefore essential.

I am pleased that the Parliament is recognising the work of Give Blood 4 Good and that, through this debate, we can continue to support its work. As members have highlighted, blood donations can be life changing and they are an easy way to help others. As Oliver Mundell said, we should put ourselves in that place as well, and as many members as possible who can donate blood should do so. Whether the blood is used to treat cancer patients or to save those who have lost blood through an accident, surgery or childbirth, donations have a real power to save lives.

When I was researching for this debate, it was heartwarming to read the personal stories of those who have received a blood donation. Many testimonies highlighted the impact of stranger’s generosity and kindness, and they came from both those who have received blood and their families.

In just one hour, we have the power to transform a life. I recognise how busy day-to-day life can be, but I hope that this debate allows us to pause, reflect, remember the difference that a donation can make, and consider speaking to others about the issue. Supporting public awareness is important, and I hope that the minister will speak to the on-going work that the Government is doing to support the charity and others and help with awareness.

I thank everybody who has contributed to the debate and, of course, all those in the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service who work tirelessly with our NHS to continue to make sure that we have a high-quality supply of blood, tissues and cells every day. I again thank Give Blood 4 Good for all the work that it does in Patrick Smith’s name.