A UNIQUE partnership in Poole is celebrating a successful first year that has seen 3,251 potentially life-saving blood donations given.

This is the first permanent blood donor suite in a town centre location in the country, and on Saturday a special celebration will be held at Boots in the Dolphin Centre.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Boots staff and donors will be joined by Poole Mayor Cllr Charles Meachin and MP Robert Syms.

Part of the success of the venue is its flexible opening hours and convenient location for people wishing to donate outside typical working hours.

Bob Davies, senior donor relations manager at NHSBT, thanked Poole donors for their support.

“You never know when you or someone you know will need blood so we really hope some more people help keep blood stocks healthy, especially at this time of year when stocks can traditionally dip,” he said.

The donor suite is equipped to receive platelet donations, which are given to leukaemia or other cancer patients whose bone marrow is unable to make enough through their disease or treatment.

Major surgery or extensive injury can also result in patients needing platelets and whole blood donations can be separated and used for many different things.

Regular donor Andrew Burton, from Ferndown, who was one of the first to give blood at the new suite, said: “I find it easy and convenient to donate in Boots.

“I make an appointment a month in advance and give my donation in the morning then spend a few hours shopping in the afternoon.

“The staff are superb and very friendly.”

The suite is equipped with internet access, TVs and DVDs.

“Pop into Boots, give blood, put your feet up, enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit and help save a life,” urged Mr Davies.