FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

25 March 2025

 

Become a blood donor

 

  • Are you aged between 18 and 65?
  • Are you in good health?
  • Do you want to be able to help patients during a major emergency?

 

Now is your chance to help KEMH and the community by becoming a blood donor. By donating blood, you will provide a vital lifeline for anyone who may have been involved in a major incident.

 

The KEMH Laboratory will be holding a screening session for blood donors on Wednesday 9th April 2025 between the hours of 08:30 and 17:00. (Please note we will be open through the lunch hour if you can’t make it during work hours)

 

We are happy to accept any potential donors on the day, please just pop into the session at any point during the opening hours and the practitioner will guide you through the process.

 

No appointment needed, but it may be beneficial to pre-fill the emergency donor screening questionnaire which will be available on the day or can be obtained by contacting the Laboratory. Please note that this form must be printed double-sided if it is to be accepted.

 

If you complete the questionnaire before the session please remember to bring it with you.

 

The results of your blood tests and the responses on your screening questionnaire will be reviewed by the Defence Pathology transfusion specialists who will then indicate to the KEMH Laboratory which individuals are cleared for inclusion on the KEMH Emergency Donor Panel.  All screened individuals will be contacted by the KEMH Laboratory to inform them of the results of the screening process.  Please note that exclusion from the KEMH EDP does not mean that you cannot donate blood in countries with large donation and blood processing centres, the results of the screening only apply to the KEMH EDP.

 

What is an Emergency Donor Panel (EDP)?

 

An EDP is a list of volunteers that have gone through the blood screening process without making an actual donation.

 

You may be called forward up to 1 year after screening to donate.  You will need to complete an additional screening process at the time of donation.

 

To be included on an EDP you must complete a donor questionnaire and health check.  You will have blood samples taken for blood grouping and infection screening.

In the event of a major incident or severe haemorrhage event donors will be contacted to give a full unit of blood.

 

The KEMH Pathology Department are looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on the day and would like to thank you in advance for helping our community. For further information please contact the KEMH laboratory on 28069 or email labgeneral@kemh.gov.fk

 

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