Can I address the point made by Nora Pearce regarding privatising the National Blood Service (Reasons to be fearful, G2, 22 March)? There has been no decision made, nor have any proposals been made to privatise the blood service. There has been speculation because the Department of Health is leading a review into ways NHSBT could be more efficient to help cut costs. Part of this review involves talking to private providers about what we could do differently. It is not a procurement or tendering exercise and any changes would not involve activities directly affecting blood donors. Every day 7,000 donations of blood are needed to supply hospitals across England and North Wales. These are provided by voluntary blood donors who help save people's lives every day. We never take this generosity or commitment for granted and appreciate every single donation that we receive.
Paddy Nugent
Deputy director – blood donation, NHS Blood and Transplant