Giving blood saves lives. In the UK, around 4,300 blood donations are needed every day to meet the demands of hospitals nationwide. The blood donated by many is vital for life-saving emergency treatments as well as ongoing care for children, adults, and patients of all ages.
On the 14th June we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, an important reminder of the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the vital role healthcare professionals play in this process.
Primary care nurses, with their clinical expertise and trusted relationships with patients, are uniquely positioned to support and promote blood donation. It’s worth noting that nurses do not typically collect blood for donation, as this is carried out by specialists from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). However, nurses still play a vital role in encouraging and supporting donation efforts. From educating to motivating eligible donors, nurses are central to ensuring a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience. In this blog, we explore how primary care nurses contribute not only through their technical skills but also as advocates and community leaders in the ongoing effort to maintain a stable and diverse blood supply.
The Importance of Blood Donation in Healthcare
The availability of donated blood underpins the success of countless medical interventions, from life-saving emergencies and complex surgeries to long-term treatments for diseases such as cancer and sickle cell anaemia.
When blood is donated, its different components – red blood cells, plasma, and platelets can be separated and used for a variety of purposes. Each component requires specialised handling and has a distinct shelf life. A single blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, often making the critical difference between life and death for many patients.
Blood donation is truly a collective effort. By encouraging as many eligible individuals as possible to donate, we help maintain a safe and reliable blood supply for all who need it. Since blood cannot be artificially manufactured, the reliance on voluntary donations is enormous. As the World Health Organization states, “Access to safe blood and blood products is essential for universal health coverage and a key component of effective health systems.”
However, not everyone is eligible to donate blood, and that’s okay. There are many reasons why someone might not be able to, such as health conditions, medications, or recent travel. Checking someone’s eligibility on the NHS Blood and Transplant website is a great way to know who can and cannot donate.
Venepuncture, Cannulation, and the Nurse’s Role
Venepuncture and cannulation are not just routine tasks; they are essential clinical skills that underpin much of what we do in both diagnostic and therapeutic care. In the context of blood donation, their importance becomes even more pronounced. Nurses – alongside Nursing Associates, Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs), Phlebotomists, and other healthcare professionals – play a central role in ensuring that every encounter is safe, comfortable, and as free from complications as possible.
Whether it’s inserting a needle for a blood sample or cannulating a patient for treatment, technique matters. A poorly performed procedure can cause pain, bruising, or even infection. More importantly, it can increase anxiety or make someone hesitant to have blood taken again. Confidence in our skills combined with clear, compassionate communication helps build trust and puts patients at ease.
Ensuring Quality and Confidence
The way we carry out venepuncture and cannulation in everyday care shapes people’s experiences with having their blood taken. These experiences can influence whether someone feels comfortable and confident enough to donate blood when the opportunity arises. In this way, we play an important role in encouraging future donors by ensuring that blood draws are as safe and positive as possible.
Cannulation plays a crucial role in transfusion services, especially for patients receiving blood in clinical settings. Ensuring correct insertion, monitoring for complications and maintaining good technique all contribute to patient safety and comfort. Nurses must also be aware of the specific product being given, understand compatibility issues and be confident in responding to any adverse reactions that may occur.
These procedures are not performed in isolation. They are part of a wider patient or donor journey that includes registration, consent, the procedure itself, and aftercare. Across each stage, a range of professionals may be involved – providing clinical care, reassurance, and support. Their technical skills reinforce every element of this journey.
To maintain high standards, training and competency frameworks are in place and must be taken seriously. Whether newly qualified or experienced, ongoing education and practical refreshers ensure that skills remain current. Simulation sessions, supervised practice and reflective learning all contribute to competence and confidence.
Good technique isn’t just about avoiding complications. When we perform venepuncture for a medical reason, our skill and care can shape how people feel and view blood donation. A positive experience builds trust and helps people feel safe. This matters because if someone has a painful or stressful experience, they may be less likely to donate blood in the future. On the other hand, when we are calm, confident, and precise, it reassures patients and can encourage them to become donors.
Addressing the Blood Supply Challenge in the UK
The UK is currently facing significant challenges in maintaining a stable blood supply. These issues have been building steadily, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made things more acute. During lockdowns, donation sessions were disrupted and
staffing levels were affected. Although services have since resumed, the backlog and reduced attendance during that period created a ripple effect that we are still feeling today.
The need for blood remains constant, yet donation rates can be anything but. Hospitals across the country rely on a consistent supply of blood to carry out surgeries, treat trauma, support cancer care and manage chronic conditions. When supply drops, services are put under strain and treatment delays become a real risk.
A Growing Demand for Diverse Donors
One of the more complex challenges is demographic change. The UK’s population is aging, which naturally increases the demand for blood while also reducing the number of eligible donors. In addition, there is a growing need for donations that match rare blood types or specific antigen profiles. This is particularly important for patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds, where compatible blood can be harder to source.
The Nurse’s Role in Community Engagement
Recruiting more diverse donors is a national priority. Conditions like sickle cell disorder, which disproportionately affect Black African and Caribbean communities, often require regular transfusions. For patients with this condition, finding well-matched blood is not just about blood type, it’s about precise antigen compatibility, which is more likely to be found in donors of similar ethnic background. This makes community engagement not only important, but lifesaving…
So where do nurses fit into this? Primary care nurses are in a unique position to help. We see patients regularly and often build long-term relationships with them. This puts us in a strong position to identify suitable donors and encourage them to take part. A casual conversation during a routine appointment may be all it takes to spark interest, especially when paired with simple reassurance and accurate information. However,
remember that not everyone is able to donate, so it’s important to encourage people to
check their eligibility.
We can also help normalise blood donation within our communities. When patients hear us talking about it as something routine, safe and socially valuable, it becomes less intimidating. Encouraging donation doesn’t require lengthy conversations, sometimes just planting the idea is enough. The impact, however, can be far-reaching.
Nurses as Advocates and Educators
As nurses, we are often viewed as a trusted healthcare professional. This trust gives us a unique opportunity to influence health behaviours, including encouraging blood donation. Many patients may never have considered giving blood or may have been put off by myths, fear or simple misinformation. That’s where we can make a real difference.
First and foremost, we can help by providing clear, evidence-based information about blood donation. Patients are often surprised to learn how quick and safe the process is.
Common concerns, such as whether it will hurt, how long it takes, or if they are eligible, can usually be addressed with a short, friendly conversation. It is also helpful to challenge myths where they arise. For example, many people think they cannot donate if they are on regular medication or have had tattoos. Others may be unsure if their blood will be suitable. By understanding and sharing up-to-date guidance from NHS Blood and Transplant, we can reassure people and point them in the right direction to check eligibility or book appointments.
During routine health assessments, pre-operative checks or long-term condition reviews, there are often natural opportunities to raise the topic of donation. We do not
need to make it a formal conversation, just asking, “Have you ever thought about giving
blood?” can open the door.
Sharing personal stories or the experiences of other donors can also be powerful. When
people hear about positive outcomes, such as how donated blood helped someone
through cancer treatment or surgery, it makes the value of donation more tangible.
Some nurses also choose to get involved with community outreach, whether that’s
through local talks, school events, social media posts or working with NHSBT
campaigns. Partnering with NHSBT gives access to excellent educational materials and
support. Even simple steps, like displaying posters in your clinic or using a screensaver
promoting World Blood Donor Day, can spark conversations.
Our role as educators doesn’t stop with patients. We can also influence colleagues.
Sharing donation reminders in team meetings, signposting NHSBT opportunities, or
even organising a joint team donation trip can help embed donation into the culture of
healthcare settings.
Empower nurses to take on a proactive role, educating patients about the safety and
benefits of blood donation. Mention opportunities for nurses to volunteer or lead local
donation drives.
Get Involved: What You Can Do
You don’t need to work in a blood donation centre to contribute to the national blood supply. There are practical ways every nurse can get involved, regardless of your role or setting.
Start by signposting patients and colleagues to NHS Blood and Transplant’s website or local donation centres. Many people simply don’t know where to begin or how to book, a quick pointer can make all the difference.
Refreshing your venepuncture and cannulation skills not only improves your clinical confidence but allows you to support donation clinics or transfusion services when needed. If you are already skilled in these areas, consider how you might mentor others or contribute to training within your team.
Some nurses choose to volunteer at local blood donation sessions. Even just helping with registration or refreshments creates a welcoming environment for donors. Promoting blood donation doesn’t need to be time-consuming. Using social media, staff
newsletters, or noticeboards to highlight campaigns such as World Blood Donor Day can help normalise the conversation and remind people of the need.
If your practice or organisation has the capacity, you could collaborate with practice managers or NHSBT representatives to host a local donation drive. Onsite sessions can make it easier for staff and patients to donate without needing to travel.
Leading by example can be one of the most effective forms of advocacy. Whether that means donating yourself, talking openly about your support for donation, or encouraging team initiatives, your enthusiasm has the power to inspire others.
In Summary: World Blood Donor Day 2025
Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can make, and behind every
unit collected is a network of professionals working quietly to ensure it is safe, effective
and available when needed. Nurses are central to this process, not just as skilled clinicians, but as educators, advocates and leaders.
Whether we are performing venepuncture, reassuring a nervous donor, managing
transfusions or simply starting a conversation in a clinic, our role carries real weight. We
have the opportunity to influence patient behaviour, support national donation efforts
and strengthen the supply chain that so many rely on.
As demand continues to rise and recruitment challenges persist, our contribution
becomes more important than ever. By staying informed, engaging with the public and
encouraging donation within our communities and workplaces, we help sustain a
service that saves lives every single day.
Visit the NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) website to check eligibility or book a donation today. Every drop counts.
Join One of Health Academy’s Phlebotomy Course
If you’re looking to build your confidence and take your clinical skills to the next level, Health Academy offers a comprehensive Phlebotomy Course tailored for healthcare professionals. Whether you’re new to phlebotomy or refreshing your practice, our courses provide essential theory and hands-on practical training to help you perform safe and effective venepuncture. Click on the links below or visit our Phlebotomy course page to find out more information.
Phlebotomy Training – Live via Zoom
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Fundamentals of Phlebotomy – Elearning
On this online fundamentals of phlebotomy e-learning course you will learn all the essential theory, skills, and regulatory requirements for taking blood.
