A new DVLA initiative is set to impact everyone applying for a driving licence – it will encourage them to become blood donors. Officials believe this method of reaching out should see millions contacted annually and hopefully boost donor numbers in the UK.
The new procedure will provide applicants with a link to register as a blood donor in their emails after they’ve finished their driving licence application. This will be paired with a message highlighting how blood donation saves lives.
Given that most new drivers apply for their licence in their teens or early twenties, it’s hoped this scheme will also increase the number of young people becoming regular blood donors. Currently, NHS Blood and Transplant states that more than half of regular blood donors are aged 45 and above. More young people are needed to ensure future blood supplies for the service.
People can donate from the age of 17, or register to donate from the age of 16, and can continue to be regular donors until they’re 72. However, first-time donors must be under the age of 65.
Men can donate blood every 12 weeks and women every 16 weeks. Nonetheless, those with genetic haemochromatosis may be able to donate as frequently as every 6 weeks due to the gradual accumulation of iron in their bodies caused by the condition.
To be a blood donor, you must be of a healthy weight, between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg), and have suitable veins for donation. Various factors can affect your eligibility to donate blood, such as medications, travel plans or professions. More information and eligibility checkers are available on the NHSBT website.
The NHS needs an average of 5,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of hospitals in England. Donated blood is used to treat patients with a range of conditions, including injuries, childbirth complications and cancer treatments.
Blood donors from all backgrounds are needed to ensure the right type of blood is available for all patients. This includes black heritage donors to meet the growing demand for ethnically matched blood for sickle cell patients who need regular transfusions to stay alive.
This isn’t the first time the NHS Blood and Transplant department has partnered with the DVLA. A similar plan was previously enacted to increase the number of organ donors and was successful.
In 1994, the DVLA added a prompt to the driving licence application giving applicants the option to join the organ donor register. According to NHSBT, around 70% of people currently on the register signed up through this prompt.
DVLA chief executive, Tim Moss, expressed his pride in supporting NHS Blood and Transplant to encourage more young people to become blood donors. He said: “We’re proud to support NHS Blood and Transplant in encouraging more young people to become blood donors. With millions of driving licence applications processed each year, DVLA is in a unique position to help raise awareness and make it easier for people to take that first step.”
He added: “This simple addition to our digital services could help save lives. Younger donors are vital to the future of the blood supply, and we’re pleased to play a part in helping more of them get involved.”