Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to encourage (a) more of the total population and (b) eligible MSM to donate blood; and if he will make a statement.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the National Health Service in England and North Wales.

Although blood stocks are currently in a healthy position, there is always a need for new donors to fill the gaps left by existing donors who are no longer able to give blood- to ensure that we have the right mix of blood groups to match patients’ needs. NHSBT co-ordinates local and national awareness campaigns, such as the recent ‘Missing Type’ campaign, which are intended to motivate thousands of people to start donating blood.

NHSBT’s campaigns and awareness activities are directed towards encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood.