Haemostasis expert Hart Biologicals is asking Hartlepool businesses to lend their support and help in its blood drives over the school holidays.
The medical diagnostics company works with local schools and their staff to help keep up to date with blood requirements, but with the school holidays looming, Hart Biologicals is looking for further volunteers to help with its life-saving research.
Sandra Hull experienced Phlebotomist at Hart Biologicals, said: “Throughout the year we can rely on the many schools and colleges in the town to help us.
“We have regular visits to Hartlepool College of Further Education, Manor Community Academy, High Tunstall, Brinkburn Sixth Form, Dyke House and English Martyrs, amongst others.
“We tend to work more with companies throughout the school holidays. During the six weeks over the Summer there are no schools to rely on hence this is when we really need the support of local businesses.
Over the last three years Hart Biologicals has steadily increased the companies it visits including, Utility Alliance, J&B Recycling, Heerema, Omega Plastics and Publicity Seekers.
Sandra continued: “A blood donation takes just under five minutes per person. The volume of blood we take is very small, similar to visiting your GP for a routine blood test for just a couple of small tubes.
“Myself and Richard Chapman, another of Hart Biological’s great phlebotomists will visit your company first thing on a morning at a convenient time for you and take the bloods there and then. Plus, we always have Cookies to offer!
Over the last three years Hart Biologicals has built up the pool of companies it works with and the amount of days it goes out into industry.
Sandra said: “We now go out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays every week.”
The blood collected by Sandra and Richard is used in the assessment of the testing kits the company manufactures and supplies to medical professionals and surgeries around the world helping to identify drugs and diseases.
Sandra added: “We would really appreciate if we can attract even more companies to help us with our blood drives during the quieter moments of the school year. We understand it’s not something everybody wants to do but it’s a brilliant opportunity for people to give back by donating something as simple as blood.”
If you work for an organisation or are an individual that would like to get involved in donating blood to Hart Biologicals, you can contact blood@hartbio.co.uk or ask for Sandra or Richard by phone on 01429 271100.
