PEOPLE across South Wales are being asked to donate blood.

Across South Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf more than 1,250 blood donations and products are needed each month to provide care to patients at Prince Charles Hospital, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, University Hospital of Wales, Nevill Hall Hospital, Royal Gwent Hospital, and the Grange University Hospital.

Donations are needed daily for a range of patients including mothers and babies during childbirth, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and patients involved in emergencies. One donation can save or improve the lives of up to three adults or six babies.

People must book in advance and - if they've had their coronavirus vaccine - must wait seven days after the jab before giving blood.

There are appointments coming up in Barry Memo Arts Centre on Monday 17 May, Tuesday 18 May and Wednesday 19. As walk-ins are not currently being accepted you must book your appointment at welsh-blood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.

Want to donate sooner? There are appointments available in various parts of Wales, including:

  • Cardiff: Copthorne Hotel (Tuesday May 4 and Wednesday May 5).
  • Maesycwmmer, Ystrad Mynach: Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa (Wednesday May 5 and Thursday May 6).
  • Aberdare: Dare Community Sports Hall (Thursday May 6 and Friday May 7).
  • Pontypridd: University of South Wales Glamorgan conference centre (Monday May 10 and Tuesday May 11).
  • Roath, Cardiff: Plasnewydd Community Centre (Monday May 10, Thursday May 13 and Friday May 14).
  • Cwmbran: Llanyrafon Methodist Church Hall (Wednesday May 12 and Thursday May 13).

Additional safety measures have also been introduced at the donation sessions, social distancing guidelines are followed, all staff wear PPE and every item is cleaned between use.

If you are aged between 17 and 66, you can book a lifesaving donation at welsh-blood.org.uk or call 0800 252 266.

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Director of the Welsh Blood Service, Alan Prosser, said: “Every day around 350 donations are needed to help the 20 hospitals in Wales we supply, including five hospitals in South Wales.

“We’ve always had great support from our donors in the area, but we’re hopeful that more residents will consider becoming blood donors themselves.

“As a Service, we rely on the generosity of people living in Wales to provide vital donations to patients.

“By giving up just one hour of your time, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference to people in your community and beyond.”

“If you’ve never donated before, try something incredible this week – sign up to donate at one of the sessions in your local area and become a lifesaver.”