Plea to plasma donors as centre moves

A plasma donation centre has urged people to continue to donate as it moves to a new temporary venue.

The NHS plasma donor centre has opened at Reading Bridge House - a mile away from its original location in the town.

A new permanent centre is due to open next year.

Alia Rashid, assistant director for plasma operations at NHS Blood and Transplant, said the "support and commitment" from donors in the area was "amazing".

Plasma is used to produce lifesaving medicines which are vital for patients with a wide range of conditions, including immune deficiencies, burns and liver disease.

Since opening in April 2021, more than 4,470 people have become donors.

The Reading centre has the largest number of plasma donors out of the three dedicated centres in England, the NHS said.

Between April 2024 and March 2025 it collected more than 8,668 litres of plasma.

Ms Rashid said: "We are grateful for all the support we have received from all our local donors and encourage everyone to please continue to donate plasma at the temporary centre until our permanent centre is open.

"We also encourage new people to think about donating plasma for the first time... your support is crucial to help us save and improve lives."

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading Central, said: "I would like to thank the hardworking staff and the generous donors who have made the Reading Plasma Donor Centre such a success."

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