THE Poole blood donor centre in the Dolphin Centre has taken 23 convalescent donations from people who have recovered from coronavirus to help with a new trial.

NHS Blood and Transplant is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial, and if the trial is successful, will result in widespread use in hospitals.

The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered from coronavirus can be transfused into people who are struggling to develop their own immune response.

The plasma with the most antibodies tends to come from people who were more ill.

For this reason, there is a particular need for recovered donors who are male, or who are aged over 35, or who were hospitalised as their plasma is more likely to save lives.

As the national plasma programme expands, the number of plasma donations in Poole donor centre will increase.

NHS Blood and Transplant’s Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation, Professor David Roberts said: "Thank you to everyone in Poole and Bournemouth for donating convalescent plasma to try and save lives.We need more donors and we want to hear from people who have had Covid-19.

"Convalescent plasma donation is safe and easy. If you get the call, please donate. Help your NHS fight Covid-19."

It takes 45 minutes to donate convalescent plasma and your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24 to 48 hours.

After donating, you can continue with your normal day.

Your body quickly replaces the antibodies and people can donate plasma as often as every two weeks.

NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing for people from Poole and Bournemouth who have had Covid-19 to get in touch on 0300 123 23 23 or at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk in the hopes they can donate and help the trial.