More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A new plasma donation site has opened in a former toy shop - and about 120 donors are already booked in.
The centre - aimed at combating Covid-19 - has filled an empty unit in the County Square shopping centre in Ashford.
The large site formerly housed the Kids Stuff toy store, which closed in September 2018 after 12 years of trading.
Residents who have recovered from the virus are being asked to donate blood plasma, which could be used to treat other patients.
The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) team is hopeful the antibody-rich plasma - known as convalescent plasma - can be an effective treatment for Covid-19.
The plasma is transfused into patients who are struggling to develop their own immune response.
The antibodies could slow or stop the virus spreading, which could save lives.
Donation takes about 45 minutes, and the whole visit - including the donation, snacks and checks - takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24 to 48 hours, as well as the donated antibodies.
Bosses say about 120 people are already booked in to donate at the centre following an appeal in October, and they are hoping more will follow.
Anna Turco, the donor centre manager, said: “We would love to see people in and around Ashford offering to donate so we can book them into donation appointments now.
"Donation is safe and easy, and you could save lives. Your body quickly replaces the antibodies afterwards.”
Stacey Bell, centre director of County Square, said: “The plasma centre is a positive step in helping the NHS and our local community in the fight against coronavirus and we are proud to provide NHSBT with a new home to carry out their important work.
"We welcome local volunteers who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate their blood plasma, you may save lives.”
Anyone over 17 who has had Covid-19 can offer to donate blood plasma donor.
NHSBT especially needs more male and BAME donors to come forward as their plasma is more likely to contain the higher levels of antibodies required.
People who needed hospital treatment are especially likely to have high antibody levels.
If you’ve had confirmed coronavirus or the symptoms, you can volunteer today to donate plasma at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk or search online for ‘donate plasma’.
