BLOOD DONATION

BY THE RAINBOW PROJECT

Transfusion Service (NIBTS) in September 2021, will start to assess donor eligibility on a person-by-person basis for declared lifestyle choices; instead of applying acrossthe-board restrictions which have previously excluded potential donors specifically restricting the donation from Gay/BI or MSM.

They will now be using a donor’s individual experiences to determine whether that person is eligible to donate will make the process fairer for all donors and means more people will be able to give blood than ever before. This means all donors will be asked the same questions – regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

These changes to the way UK blood services assess the risk of transfusion transmitted infections incorporate the key recommendations of the 2020 FAIR (For the Assessment of ndividualised Risk) Report. These recommendations were designed by epidemiology, sexual health and infectious disease experts to make sure that the blood supply is kept safe while making blood donation fairer and more accessible to all. The new FAIR risk assessment will be implemented in England, Scotland and Wales will come into effect on 14th June 2021, while in Northern Ireland the change won’t come into effect until September 2021.

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) are working in collaboration with The Rainbow Project to ensure all those eligible to donate blood can do so safely and that all NIBTS staff have the support and training to engage with the LGBTQ+ community Speaking about the change, Director of The Rainbow Project John O’Doherty said: “We welcome the implementation of the Fair Report and the new rules surrounding blood donations. These changes mean a large number of people who have never been able to donate blood will be eligible to do so. We would like to thank the Health Minister, Robin Swann, for ensuring that decisions related to blood donations are based wholly on the best available medical evidence and that policies are implemented on a UK wide basis.

“This is an issue we have been campaigning on for over 10 years and for the implementation of an individualised risk assessment. During that time, we have been clear that donating blood is not a right, but a civic responsibility on all of us who are eligible to do so. The focus of The Rainbow Project will now turn to encouraging all those people who are now eligible to register as blood donors. Security and sustainability in our blood supply is a continued pressure across our health service – and while vocal and visible support for the NHS during the pandemic is to be welcomed – one of the most effective ways we can support our NHS is through donating blood.

“While we are disappointed that Northern Ireland will not be implementing the new assessment at the same time as the rest of the UK, we understand the reasons behind this and welcome the ongoing communication from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service and their commitment to ensuring staff are trained on the use of the new assessment process. The COVID 19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all aspects of our health service. We will be spending the next 3 months be directing our resources towards supporting the implementation of the new system and encouraging all those who are eligible to donate blood”.

It’s really simple, blood saves lives.

Your decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its individual components – such as red cells, platelets and plasma. All of which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions such as cancer, liver disease etc.

Most of us will know someone who has benefited from donated blood through emergency surgery, for routine operations, in the treatment of cancer, or childbirth.

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) realise that being asked about specific sexual practices is something you may not be used to or find embarrassing. However, NIBTS and the Rainbow Project will be working to make you aware of the need for these questions and we ask that you answer them completely honestly, as this is very important in maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Each person will have to complete a donation Health Check and will be asked a series of questions which cover a threemonth period. These questions include; questions around sexual activity over the

last 3 months, including if you have had sex with anyone who has had syphilis, hepatitis or anyone who is HIV positive. Did you engage with any drug use in the last three months or have had sex with someone who has injected drugs? Have you taken PrEP or been prescribed PEP? If you answered yes to some of those questions, then you would be unable to give blood at that time.

If you answered no, you will be asked some additional questions to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. These are based around questions around new sexual partners within the last three months., if you haven’t had any new partners and are perhaps in a longer relationship, you will be able to donate (this is subject to you meeting other criteria.) You can find out more, including information about your rights, on the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service website - https://nibts.hscni.net/.

NIBTS are hoping this service will be up and running by September 2021. So, keep would like to discuss some sexual health issues that you may have. The Rainbow Project provides free, confidential & nonjudgemental support.

The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partners healthy.

The Rainbow Project provide rapid HIV & syphilis testing at our Belfast and Foyle centres Monday to Thursday 10AM5PM by appointment. During the thirty to forty-minute consultation with a trained member of staff from The Rainbow Project where you will take a finger prick blood test which checks for the antibodies of HIV and traces of the Syphilis bacteria. You receive your results there and then. Also, we can provide you information to accessing PrEP, GUM Clinics and give you access to safer sex packs.

Should you require a test please contact Leo Lardie by phone (028 90 319 030), text (079 04 864 861) or e-mail (leo@rainbow-project. org) for more details or to book Or Alternatively you can book your appointment online by visiting - https:// www.rainbow-project.org/book-a-rapidtest/

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) are required to keep a record of all donors, donations and test results. The information you give is not linked to any other NHS or clinical records. All Blood Donation staff are trained in confidentiality, and personal information is kept secure and only shared with other organisations if needed to deliver our service. your eyes out for upcoming information on how and where to donate!