Facebook teams up with the NHS

In an attempt to prevent blood shortages in fear of an incoming second wave of coronavirus, Facebook has recently partnered up with NHS blood services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Facebooks new clever feature will notify its users about when and where they can donate blood near them, allowing users aged between 18 and 65 to sign up for information and updates. The new opt-in feature will be promoted on news feeds and can be easily found by searching up “blood donations” while on the app.Users are also encouraged to invite their friends to donate too. The NHS needs more than 5000 blood donations every day to keep up with demands and just one donation can save up to three lives. 

" I encourage anyone who can to give blood or plasma to help save more lives."

The feature has already proven to be successful in other countries,with Facebook stating that it has gained a huge 70 million more blood donors across the world since 2017. With the increasing pressure for blood donors in the midst of this pandemic, Facebook expects the feature to be available very soon in the UK. If a second wave of coronavirus is to hit us, this extra support will help the NHS significantly. 

The NHS is also looking for male plasma donors who have previously had coronavirus, as their blood is needed to help those suffering with the virus.  Men in general are also being encouraged to donate as their blood usually contains fewer antibodies, meaning that it is easier to match to a patient. 

The government seemed happy to announce this new plan, especially The Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, who stated, "I'm hugely grateful to new donors and everyone who has continued to donate throughout the pandemic, and I encourage anyone who can to give blood or plasma to help save more lives."