< Blood Service News - 18.11.2011

Finnish Red Cross Blood Service to Open New Blood Service Centre in Espoo

In response to the wishes of blood donors, the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS) is creating more opportunities for blood donation in the Helsinki Metropolitan area. In February 2012, the Espoo Blood Service Centre will be opened at the Iso Omena shopping centre.

FRCBS is to open a brand new blood service centre at the Iso Omena shopping centre in Matinkylä, Espoo. Espoo is Finland’s second largest city, with more than 250,000 inhabitants and a large number of work places. In the future, the introduction of a metro line will make the shopping centre even more accessible to donors.

- We are offering people who live and work in Espoo more opportunities to donate blood. We hope that many new donors will drop in while doing their shopping at Iso Omena, says Maarit Kuusisaari-Bergström, Regional Manager.

Attention to Population Forecasts

The FRCBS is paying close attention to population forecasts and feedback from donors, while making plans for the future of blood services. More blood donation opportunities are being created in order to make regular blood donation easy and fast for more and more people of eligible age.

– Population forecasts indicate that the population of the Helsinki Metropolitan area will continue to grow. By reinforcing our operations in growth areas, the FRCBS is looking to guarantee blood supply and cost-effective operations in the future, says Juha Soikkeli, Development Director of Blood Donation Operations. 

In Finland, approximately 155,000 people donate blood each year. The number of annual blood donations is approximately 270,000. On average, donors attend donating sessions 1.7 times a year. Regular donations two to three times a year help us to secure an uninterrupted supply of blood products.

Who Can Donate?

Many people can donate blood. The most common medications, such as those used for blood pressure and cholesterol, and mild depression medications, do not prevent blood donation per se. Blood donors must be in good health, 18 to 65 years of age and weigh at least 50 kg. New donors must be under the age of 60. Men can donate blood at two and women at three-month intervals.

The blood haemoglobin concentration is measured before each donation and must be at least 135 g/l for men and 125 g/l for women. Donors must confirm their identity by presenting an official identity card.

You can take an online test in advance to determine whether you can donate blood, on www.sovinkoluovuttajaksi.fi, or you can call our free Donor Helpline on 0800 0 5801 (weekdays from 8am to 5pm). Eligibility to donate is assessed prior to each donation.

In Finland, every year approximately 50,000 patients receive blood components as part of their treatment. Blood components are required for a range of purposes, including treating surgical and cancer patients, accident victims and premature babies.