A porter with a passion for saving lives
Pete first became aware of just how vital plasma is while working as a porter in Ninewells Hospital.
His role brought him closer to the heart of hospital care, and it’s this daily experience that inspired him to start donating himself.
Pete explained part of his job involved collecting blood products from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and delivering them to wards across the hospital, a task that opened his eyes to how many patients depended on these donations every single day. Later, during his 23 years at Ninewells, Pete joined in renal team as a nursing assistant. His understanding for blood, platelets and plasma deepened as he saw first hand how essential they are for patients across Scotland.
I see the treatments every day. I see how much they matter and I wanted to do my part.
– Pete
What began as a simple desire to help has grown into something extraordinary. This month, Pete celebrated his 50th donation, a milestone that reflects his compassion, commitment and belief in the power of giving.
‘I see the treatments every day,’ Pete says. ‘I see how much they matter and I wanted to do my part.’
Before Pete attends his plasma appointment in Dundee Donor Centre he told us, ‘I make sure I’m hydrated and have eaten a full meal, i.e. eggs on wheat bread or chicken, meat and sweet potato. I try to eat fruit too, strawberries and watermelon, full of iron. It’s very important to eat iron-rich foods in the days leading up to a plasma donation to ensure your haemoglobin levels are high enough to donate and avoid fatty food like cooked breakfast. I know how important my donation is, especially when every donation helps someone in real need.’
Only 1.7% of Scotland’s population are active blood, platelet or plasma donors a small group supporting thousands of patients across the country.
That’s why Pete hopes more people will join him in giving blood, platelets or plasma. Pete continued ‘Donating is one of the most amazing things you can do. If you ever needed blood, platelets or plasma, you’d want someone out there willing to help you. So why not be that person for someone else?’
If you share Pete’s commitment and passion and know the difference one person can make. Why not encourage your family, friends or work colleagues to sign up and give blood, platelets or plasma.
- Register to become a blood donor and book an appointment to give blood.
- You can also contact us at nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).