Booking an appointment to give blood
Giving blood by appointment helps us help patients better. That’s because when you book an appointment, we know hospitals can rely on your blood type on that date, making it easier to regulate blood stocks. That way we know there will always be enough for patients needs.
Where are appointments available?
We are in the process of offering appointments nationally to donors. Appointments are currently available in:
- Aberdeen Blood Donor Centre
- Dundee Blood Donor Centre
- Edinburgh Blood Donor Centre
- Glasgow Blood Donor Centre
- Inverness Blood Donor Centre
- All sessions in the Highlands, the North East, Fife and Tayside
- Dunfermline
- Kirkconnel, Dalbeattie and Moffat
- Blackwood
- Dollar
To find out if your area offers appointments, simply search on your postcode or place name. If your session offers appointments, this will be stated.
How can I book an appointment?
Six weeks before the session, you will be able to book an appointment by:
- phoning us on 0345 90 90 999
- using our online form
- emailing nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot
When should I make my appointment?
Appointments will become available to book six weeks before the session. Occasionally if stocks of a particular blood group are low, we ask people with that specific blood group to make a special effort to give blood. Our appointment grids start filling up very quickly in response to these requests.
By opening up the appointment grids only six weeks in advance we can be more responsive to the transfusion needs of the patients in Scotland by booking donors whose blood group we particularly need.
How will I know when to book in?
We’ll write to you as usual, to remind you to book your appointment. This letter will include your donor health check, and all the details you need for session and appointment booking.
If we particularly need your blood group, we may also write, text or phone you before you receive your letter, to ensure we have an appointment available for you.
Thank you.