Debates between Lord Evans of Rainow and Lord Berkeley of Knighton during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Tue 4th Jul 2023

Blood Donation

Debate between Lord Evans of Rainow and Lord Berkeley of Knighton
Tuesday 4th July 2023

(1 year, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Berkeley of Knighton Portrait Lord Berkeley of Knighton (CB)
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My Lords, has any assessment been made of the reasons for ruling potential donors out on medical grounds? For example, several years ago I offered to give blood, but I had to be turned down because I had contracted hepatitis in Russia—that was not a political decision. I wonder whether the rules have perhaps changed and whether that might allow more people to come forward.

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
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The noble Lord raises a good point, as he always does, but I am not a healthcare professional. You have to look at each individual on a case-by-case basis. If the noble Lord is up front with the blood and transplant service and tells it his story—albeit that it was in Russia—I do not see that as a reason not to give it another try; I cannot guarantee the outcome.