Page 5 - Federation Magazine: August/September 2015

l OC A l N E W S R OU N D - U P Teapot support pours PC donates 100th into Dudley unit of blood Officers involved in policing a march through Dudley by supporters of All Football Fans/Firms Against Coventry based PC Ian Warden has been Islamisation (AFFFAI) were offered praised after donating his 100th unit of blood. support through the Federation’s Ian, who is 48, reached his century in June Teapot 1 and 2 vans. this year. Fed reps were on hand to Karen Healy, senior marketing co- provide refreshments to officers ordinator at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: involved in Operation Zeroth which was “We are very grateful to Ian for his launched in response to the march by commitment and loyalty to blood donation protesters opposing the building of a along with a driver from fleet services. over the years. Blood donation saves lives. new mosque in the middle of June. Police Federation officials and “Reaching the 100 donation milestone is Members were offered tea, coffee, representatives manned the van for the definitely something to be proud of. Taking sweets, chocolate, fruit and energy bars. event which saw 200 people march time to donate blood is one of the most The vans were provided by the Force through the town to the council offices. selfless and generous things you can do to help others and we hope that Ian will continue to donate as long as he is able to.” Although overall blood use within the HEAlTH AND SAFETy UPDATE NHS has reduced thanks to improvements in clinical and surgical practices, hospitals and PAVA replacing CS patients still rely on more than 6,000 people attending a donation session every day across The introduction of PAVA to replace CS will be happening over the next few months. England and North Wales. The Force says basic training will be given, most likely through an ENCALT package, Yet only four per cent of the eligible but that physical training won’t differ from that already given with CS. population actually give blood. The use of PAVA will bring us into line with the rest of our colleagues in our region. Blood is required to treat patients for a Batons whole range of reasons. It is used in accident The current Force trial for a possible replacement for CASCO is due to end imminently. and emergency situations, during surgery and It is unclear at this stage whether the trial baton will be adopted by the Force but it in maternity and neonatal care when either is predicted that a new baton will replace CASCO by the end of the year. mum or baby need blood. It is also used as a As soon as the Health & Safety Committee has news on either of these issues treatment for cancer and for blood disorders, members will be informed. such as sickle cell anaemia. A unit of blood is 470 mls, or just under a pint. Are you using our App? You can register as a donor, find out whether there is a session coming up in your area and book an appointment to donate whenever and wherever you are through www.blood.co.uk or by using an App on your Android, Windows or Apple device. To download an App for your device, search ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the App Store. Donors can search for sessions, change their contact details, book appointments and change/cancel their appointments in real time on www.blood.co.uk NHSBT’s donor line - 0300 123 23 23 - is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with all calls charged at the standard local rate, even from mobile phones In general, as long as you are fit and Officers can find help, guidance and You can use the App to find and contact healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and information at the touch of a button thanks your Federation representative, access are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you to the West Midlands Police Federation App. advice and details of Police Regulations and have given blood before) you should be able to The App, which is currently only available keep up to date with policing news. give blood. on iOS devices, is available from the Apple The App is designed to improve l NHSBT collects 1.8 million units of blood App Store. communications between members, each year from over 23,000 blood Once downloaded, you just need to workplace Federation representatives and donation sessions in more than 3,000 register using your name, collar number, the office based executive and staff. Register venues. email and date of birth. at www.wmfedapp.co.uk www.westmidspolfed.com federation August/September 2015 05