Giving Blood

I had read in the Advertiser that there was a blood session on at the Novotel today so I decided to go along after my swim. I used to give blood regularly but after a piercing I had to wait a year and with one thing and another I never got back into it for about ten years or more.

I used to give at the Lancastrian Hall in Swinton. You turned up during the morning or afternoon session and you sat in a line, shuffling along the chairs until it was your turn. Things have moved on since those days. Now you really need an appointment.

I turned up and they said that I could wait and but there were over two hundred and fifty people with appointments throughout the day. I decided to wait and within half an hour I was in.

nurse: Have you had any breakfast?
me: Well I had a cuppa and a croissant after my swim.
Nurse: You've not eaten much and you've been exercising?
me: yes.
Nurse: you should really eat properly before you come. I'll get you a bag of crisps.


I felt like a naughty schoolgirl. I drank my cup of water and ate my crisps as instructed. I then caused more trouble because I wanted to take a photo. I couldn't take one of the needle going in until it was covered by a piece of lint. Actually the staff were lovely and I had a laugh with them all. The nurse who stuck the needle in even took this pic for me. I am now back in the system and have an appointment in August for my next session. "Don't leave it for fifteen years again or we'll send the heavies round!" the nurse shouted after me. I promised I would be there :))