Residents were yesterday urged to donate blood over the Christmas season with medical professionals stressing that such acts could ultimately "give the gift of life" to another.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Red Cross Blood Donor Centre described the need as "constant", explaining that a major road accident or sudden surgical need, could affect stocks.

"Due to the public holidays over Christmas and New Year, the usual days the clinic opens have been changed," said locum haematologist Andrew Mumford. "People have busy schedules over the holiday season and we would greatly appreciate them giving half an hour of their time to help save someone's life by donating blood. We do not have the luxury of closing over the holidays as the need for blood is constant, and an unexpected road accident or urgent surgical need could impact our stocks. We hope the generosity people show around Christmas can be extended to donating blood. You could be saving the life of someone you know or love."

Residents may give donations on Friday, December 28 and Thursday January 3, between 9.15 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. and 1.15 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Donors must be at least 18 years old and in good health. Persons who have spent more than six months between 1980 and 1996 in the UK, are unable to donate due to US advice on potential risks related to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Added Dr. Mumford: "I would like to make special thanks to our current donors who donate blood the year round and will be coming in over the holidays as well. We are sure there are also people who wish to give back to the community and might not have thought of donating blood before. It is a gift that costs you no money and only takes about 30 minutes. We encourage anyone interested to call us directly and book a time to donate."

Persons interested in donating blood should contact Sue de Vertieul or Fiona Barber at the Red Cross Donor Centre on 236-5067.