Blood donors !!

Redaussies · 30-09-2008, 06:35 AM

You learn something new each day. A new mobile blood donation service has been set up near to where I live for this week only. So like a total fool I decided to call in today and offer to donate some blood.

After all we have blood tests as part of our meds to come here right. Well I was shocked to be told Sorry we can't accept your blood because your from the UK.

Aparently it's to do with the mad Cow thing in the UK a few years ago. So I turned around and walked back home. I felt disappointed but more angry than anything else. I tried to do what I thought was a good deed and ended up feeling stupid. Just one of those things I guess.

REDDERS

moving2melbourne · 30-09-2008, 06:45 AM

Umm unfortunately the same thing happened to us also. They are so desperate for blood yet ours is not good enough.

Janette · 30-09-2008, 06:46 AM

Hi Redders

Total joke isnt it. I was going to give blood when Billy was in hospital & was told the same thing. BUT GET THIS if Billy had died they would have gladly taken his organs. Well what organs he had left that is. Which I wouldnt have allowed them to do anyways just for the sheer cheek of them

Just doesnt make sense. Suppose that now means Billy can give blood as he has had 2 blood tranfusions hmmmm probably not ...

Janette

Redaussies · 30-09-2008, 06:52 AM

Hi Janette,
My minor inconvienience today is not important just makes you feel a bit of a second class citizen I thought.

I just wanted to pass my best wishes on to Billy and You, and I hope he's making good progress and all is starting to get better for you both. Best wishes and good luck.
REDDERS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janette

Hi Redders

Total joke isnt it. I was going to give blood when Billy was in hospital & was told the same thing. BUT GET THIS if Billy had died they would have gladly taken his organs. Well what organs he had left that is. Which I wouldnt have allowed them to do anyways just for the sheer cheek of them

Just doesnt make sense. Suppose that now means Billy can give blood as he has had 2 blood tranfusions hmmmm probably not ...

Janette

Janette · 30-09-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redaussies

Hi Janette,
My minor inconvienience today is not important just makes you feel a bit of a second class citizen I thought.

I just wanted to pass my best wishes on to Billy and You, and I hope he's making good progress and all is starting to get better for you both. Best wishes and good luck.
REDDERS

Thank you Redders

It does make you feel second class AND IT IS IMPORTANT and really gets my back up. They can take our taxes, skills etc yet our blood isnt good enough

Ok rant over lol

Janette

nareyclan · 30-09-2008, 07:06 AM

Hi

I'm surprised by this thread. Not something I have even thought about. I am a regular UK donor does this make any difference?

Tim · 30-09-2008, 07:09 AM

I think it has soething to do with mad cows disease that wnet through the Uk and that Uk migrants cannot give blood in Australia. I to was surprised when I found this out.

nareyclan · 30-09-2008, 07:18 AM

hi tim

As difficult as it may seem or more so to prove. when that outbreak happened I was out of the country for 6 months, again could this make a difference????

Tim · 30-09-2008, 07:23 AM

This is the info from the Red Cross Site in Australia:-

Although the number of cases of vCJD (the human form of 'mad cow disease' or bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in the United Kingdom is declining, in the absence of a screening test, the full extent of exposure is not known.
Since 2004, there have been a small number of reported cases of patients in the United Kingdom (UK) diagnosed with vCJD who have been infected through blood transfusion.
Based on this information, and in the absence of a reliable screening test for vCJD in blood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service has implemented guidelines to reduce the risk of vCJD transmission through blood transfusion in Australia. Currently we exclude people from donating who:

Have resided in the UK between 1980 and 1996 for a total (cumulative) time of 6 months or more,

or

Have received blood transfusions in the UK since 1 January 1980.

Unfortunately, because of the extensive time period covered by the deferral and the possibility of unknowing exposure to beef or beef products, it is not possible to exempt vegetarians who have resided in the UK for a cumulative period of six months or more during the risk years.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is monitoring progress in the development of a reliable blood screening test for vCJD. Should this deferral policy be changed for any reason, please be assured that this information will be disseminated widely.

Redaussies · 30-09-2008, 07:28 AM

Hi, No it don't make a bit of difference at all, if your a regular donator. As I said in my opening thread it's to do with the mad Cow disease we had in the UK a good few years ago now. And the fact we all have a blood test to come here don't count for anything either.

I was absolutely Gobsmacked when the guy produced a medical pamphlet explaining why they couldn't accept blood from anyone who's lived in the UK between certain dates, I think it was 1996 - 2005 or something like that. It just made me feel small, kind of syupid you know.

But I'm sure it's for the best, after all if its an Australian policy and thought up by the brilliant minds they have here, I'm sure it's well thought out, logical and for the better of mankind. They really are sharp tools here.!!
Redders

Quote:

Originally Posted by nareyclan

Hi

I'm surprised by this thread. Not something I have even thought about. I am a regular UK donor does this make any difference?