Swann urges more blood donations in 2016

In his New Year message as MLA, Assemblyman Swann, a regular blood donor himself and also North Antrim UUP chairman and Party Chief Whip, added: “Giving blood can be one of the most simple, yet life-saving actions everyone in the community can do.

“None of us knows when we might need an urgent blood transfusion to save our lives. At this time of year, we all make resolutions which we hope will better our living conditions.

“In this respect, as a community we would be helping society if we all became regular blood donors so that the health service had a good supply of fresh blood

“In this way, we can all play a valuable role in saving lives,” said Mr Swann. He also called on the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service to review its use of the mobile transfusion unit during any future extreme bad weather.

Mr Swann continued: “While this facility is valuable resource most of the year, it was reported to me in the past that it experienced severe difficulties during spells of bad weather.

“I encourage the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service to use Church and Community Halls during any future cold snaps. I also commend and thank the staff of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service who carry out their duties to an extremely high standard, sometimes in difficult circumstances because without their dedication many lives would be lost,” said Assemblyman Swann.

Assemblyman Swann said he wished all constituents very peaceful New Year festivities and a prosperous and healthy 2016.