Blood Donation - Just a Thought

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 10:39

It occurs to me that after receiving a donation of blood, the blood bank (or whoever) must perform approximately the same tests as those required by Immigration. I certainly hope so. Surely then it would be little effort to produce a report in the form required by Immigration.

If those trying to encourage blood donations could arrange for such a report to be produced for each donor, I am sure the number of donations would increase. I imagine that there is a pretty steady stream of under 60s renewing their visas which would produce an equally steady stream of donations. The donor of course would save the cost of the blood tests - or pay only a percentage if there are additional tests required by Immigration.

Would this be feasiible - or am I way off mark?

Kibris


Joined: 07/11/2007
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 11:00

I have raised this myself - I agree the tests must be the same - so why do donors have to then pay to have the bllod test for work permit/ residency?

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 11:19

Raised this umpteen times with BRS



All of the committee are over sixty so thay don't give a t***

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 19:48

well they should i give blood twice a year and was called to go to lefkosa tommorrow for urgent blood needed for a mans op will they give me test to give police etc for resiendcy dont think so

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 19:54

Put it to them yourself, I'm fed up trying. (And too young)

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 19:56

im going to ask tomorrow at hospital when i go to donate blood

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 20:01

It doesn't affect me either (over 60) - I was just airing the thought for comment.

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 20:12

thanks john

lovinit


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 745

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 22:18

Dont be silly!!!

that cuts down on the profit to be made by a Cypriot from a Brit, they want your blood but they would not dream of giving you a form stating you are free from any blood disorder that would allow your residency permit to be given without another test......



Its part of the Cypriot money making machine............... I have been called a number of times to donate blood for Brits and Cypriots ( Emergencies) go all the way to Lefkosia at my own expence, my time etc and dont even get a thank you the staff there, they treat you like a second class citizen...normally making you wait till last.

Please dont get me wrong I will always go if I can be of assistance to anyone in there time of need. Just find it amasing that they dont agree to issue regular blood doners with a card, stating they are free from any blood borne disease.



But that wouldnt help pay the high wages and pensions.............

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
02/05/2011 23:10

But logically if it was all about money they wouldn't exclude people sixty and over.



According to the BRS (Unofficially) the concern with the blood tests was the high incidence of blood born diseases coming from the mainland, but not wanting to single out mainlanders the government threw ex pats into the mix too.



Complaining about it at the hospital is a total waste of time.



On that subject how many people realise that blood obtained from Lefkosa has to be paid for? even by donors.

gazmufc78


Joined: 03/09/2009
Posts: 366

Message Posted:
03/05/2011 07:29

John, A good idea but the whole exercise is not about health, it's about milking those from the Eu of some money.

booitsme


Joined: 04/02/2009
Posts: 667

Message Posted:
03/05/2011 08:47

Last time we went for residency we asked at the police station and Akat did go and ask his superior if blood donors still needed to have the extra test. Of course the answer came back as yes but they did seem to think that it would possibly go ahead in the future. I suppose, like anything here it takes time, either that or the goal posts will change anyway! Only another 12 years until I'm 60 so you never know I may just get lucky

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
03/05/2011 23:20

I am 68 and was still able to donate blood recently at the Lambusa Saturday market. Apparently age for donating is not a problem here.

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
04/05/2011 13:29

The BRS has been trying to get a meeting with the Minister of the Interior, who is the person that can sanction the use of the donor day blood dontations against the blood tests required for residency, for months. I believe that a new one has been appointed and that he is actually prepared to meet with them, as opposed to avoiding them at all costs.

It is hoped that some sort of system can be put in place which will mean people donating blood will not have to have blood tests each time, although they will still need the TB check.

Hopefully that will encourage more people to donate, as the person that makes the phone calls - I must have spoken to you Berilela - it is geting harder to find people to donate in emergencies, 15 phone calls before I found one unit. Just think, one day it could be you in need of blood urgently!

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
04/05/2011 16:33

eh excuse me i think you need to appoligise I WAS ONE OF THEM THAT WENT YERSTERDAY TO GIVE BLOOD FOR BRIAN LAMBERT

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
04/05/2011 16:43

Government take everything else we have. The saying "what else do you want....BLOOD" is so true here. Don't forget, we are the stone that you apparently can't get blood out of.....BUT THEY DO!!



Tango1

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
04/05/2011 20:03

While we're on the subject;



All Brits were vaccinated for TB at school.



Why are we having to go through this every year?



(Asked BRS, no reply)

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
05/05/2011 14:08

I'm sorry if you are offended Berilela, I think you misunderstood me. The point I was trying to make was that I must have spoken to you as you said you were one of the donors giving blood on Tuesday, however, it had taken me 15 phone calls before I managed to secure one unit. Since I only know you as Berilela and not your actual name, I don't know if you were the first unit that I secured. Having re-read my reply I am guessing that the "Just think..." sentence is whatr you are referring to, It may have been better as a different paragraph as it was supposed to try and encourage other people who don't already donated to donate.

THe main point I was trying to make and would appear failed, was how difficult it is to get blood in an emergency.

Thank you for donating on Tuesday, it is much appreciated, especially by the person who required it. Again my apologies if you were offended.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
05/05/2011 14:20

a new slant on getting blood out of a stone for us poor brits.........

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
05/05/2011 16:38

Cazleo - thanks - I was going to chip in. Yes, the BRS has been talking about this blood checking with any appropriate authority who would "talk back". Hopefully something will happen now there is a new Interior Minister, but remember there is also a Min of Health (sort of) to get on side as well. I am not sure about the "facts" of paying for blood, will have to check - it may well be means tested.

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
05/05/2011 19:06

no problemid help any one needing it

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
05/05/2011 23:02

Mamachina "it may well be means tested"



speaking from experience it most certainly is not.



As to the "facts"



Just ask the many people who have actually got blood from Lefkosia and paid the bills.



62.5TL per unit. (Last November)

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 07:05

why do they have to pay for the blood then

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 08:30

Newscoop, where was it they paid that for the blood? The state hospital?

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 10:10

With regards to private hospitals "charging" for blood, it is the cross check of the patients blood against the donors blood that they are charged for, not the unit of blood.

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 12:01

The state hospital charges for blood that is required for a patient in a private hospital.



Even if the patient is a donor him/her self.



Even though the patient may well have organised donors to 'replace' the blood used.



If the blood subsequently is not required for the procedure it is returned (rightly) to the state hospital but no refund is offered.



All Facts.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 14:26

Msg 25 - thanks - did check and was coming back. May I point out to the whingers (sorry - concerned posters) that any lab here doing blood tests usually charges 60lira and thats for a spoonful!! No, seriously wouldnt you rather know the blood you are getting has been properly checked, is compatible and carries no nasties - I would.

And to a poster further down the list - "the BRS committee are over 60 so dont care a **** " Maybe if some younger people did less yapping and had some public spirit it would be younger. There is still one empty seat - what about putting your name forward for co-option - one meeting a month, some Hut duties, some sub-committees and some ideas of how to make the BRS "better". New blood - excuse the pun is always welcome!

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 16:33

Newscoop, the charge is for the cross check/match against the donors blood, not the blood itself, the can't uncheck the blood if it isn't used, hence no refund!

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 17:56

message 27 ,did you donate on tues im not a whinger

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 18:37

Cazleo;



Get over yourself



the blood is donated for free,



the blood that is required is replaced by donors,



the charge is levied,



this isn't about money it's about people donating then being put through the mill for residency.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 18:38

Msg 29 - I donated all my life til I got cancer - they wouldnt take it after that. Got my badge to prove it! Also when living in E Africa used to do direct donations if asked, when there was a serious accident etc. So, i think I did my bit.

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 19:06

Same here Mamachina, except now they won't take it because of the arthritis drugs. I got 24 stickers from the UK.

I also once gave in Kuwait. They offered 10 dinars - about £20 - but we refused because we gaxe for free in the UK and didn't need to be paid. 1 week later the MD of Kuwait Oil (where I was working) called me to his office and presented me with a personal letter of thanks from the Emir.

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 19:10

then shut up

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 19:23

C'mon get real;



The original question was why can't donors get a pass on residency?



mamachina and cazleo leave it out, I've been here and donating for twelve years.



Too many times to recall I've done the trip to Lefkosia for someone in need.



It's not a badge of honour to recall the pints given (55 in UK)



Accept that some people other than yourselves know the score.

berilela


Joined: 17/07/2010
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:28

excatly my point newscoop i didnt do the blood donating for that poor man in need for all this ,

Zoots


Joined: 05/02/2011
Posts: 669

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:37

newscoop msg 34: "Too many times to recall I've done the trip to Lefkosia for someone in need."

Are you saying you've been giving blood on the Greek side for the 12 years you've been here?

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:40

Nice to see you're still on the ball Campbell.

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:47

Msg 34...you were the one that brought up charging!!!!



"Just ask the many people who have actually got blood from Lefkosia and paid the bills.







62.5TL per unit. (Last November) "

Seems you still don't understand the concept that it's NOT the blood but the cross matching that is being charged for!

Zoots


Joined: 05/02/2011
Posts: 669

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:52

newscoop,

Subs' crayon and 200 lines for you "Lefkosa is Turkish and Lefkosia is Greek". I take it you're not NCTJ registered?

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
06/05/2011 21:53

message 38,



On 23rd June 2010 i had an operation in a hospital in Lefkosa, friends gave blood for me which incidentally I did not need but still cost us 100tl per unit, we had to pay for the blood before the op.!!! And guess what message 34 who IS a blood donor and is his wife (rare blood group) had also to pay!



Chris