Blood Donation Centres

Leeds Blood Donor Centre

Forsyth Court, 117 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 5JX

Overview

Leeds Blood Donor Centre is an NHS Blood Donation service located in the heart of Leeds city centre at Forsyth Court on The Headrow. As part of the National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) programme, this centre plays a vital role in collecting blood donations from volunteer donors across the Yorkshire region. The facility operates as a fixed donor centre, providing convenient access for regular and new donors who wish to contribute to the national blood supply.

The centre accepts blood donations from healthy eligible donors and conducts all necessary health screening and testing procedures on-site. Staff members are trained phlebotomists and healthcare professionals who ensure donations are collected safely and hygienically. The blood collected is processed and distributed to hospitals throughout the NHS, supporting emergency care, surgical procedures, cancer treatment, and patients with blood disorders.

The centre welcomes walk-in donors as well as those with appointments, making it accessible to Leeds residents and workers. Donors are encouraged to book in advance to minimise waiting times, though drop-in donations are typically accommodated when capacity allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

To give blood at Leeds Blood Donor Centre in Leeds, register online at blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23, then book an appointment. Walk-ins may be accepted but booking is recommended. You must be aged 17-65 (or up to 70 if you have donated before), weigh at least 50kg (7st 12lb), and be in general good health. Your first donation includes a health check and takes about an hour. Subsequent visits take around 45 minutes.
Men can donate whole blood every 12 weeks (up to 4 times a year) and women every 16 weeks (up to 3 times a year). Platelet donations can be given every 2-4 weeks. Plasma donations can be given every 2 weeks. Leeds Blood Donor Centre will advise you on when you can next donate based on the type of donation you make.
At Leeds Blood Donor Centre, you will complete a health questionnaire, have a brief health check (haemoglobin test from a finger prick), speak with a nurse about your eligibility, and then donate. The actual blood draw takes about 8-10 minutes. Afterwards, you will rest for at least 15 minutes with refreshments. Your blood is then tested, processed, and distributed to hospitals. You will be told your blood type after your first donation.
Many common medications do not prevent you from donating blood. However, some medications may require a deferral period. Bring a list of your medications to Leeds Blood Donor Centre and the nurse will check eligibility. Antibiotics usually require a 7-day deferral after completing the course. Some medications (e.g. acne treatments like isotretinoin) require longer deferrals. Contact 0300 123 23 23 or check blood.co.uk if unsure.
Before donating: drink plenty of water, eat a proper meal, avoid strenuous exercise, and get a good night's sleep. After donating: rest for at least 15 minutes with refreshments provided, drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day, keep the plaster on for at least 6 hours, and eat a good meal. If you feel faint, lie down with your legs raised.
All blood types are needed, but some are in especially high demand. O negative is the universal donor type, used in emergencies. O positive is the most common blood type. B negative, A negative, and AB negative are rare types that are always needed. After your first donation at Leeds Blood Donor Centre, you will receive a donor card with your blood type. Some donors may be invited to give specific components like platelets or plasma.
You may not be able to donate if you have HIV, hepatitis B or C, or HTLV, are pregnant or have recently given birth, have had a recent tattoo or piercing (4-month deferral), have visited certain countries with malaria risk (deferral periods apply), have had certain cancers, have received a blood transfusion in the UK since 1980, or are currently unwell. Contact 0300 123 23 23 or check blood.co.uk for a full list of eligibility criteria.
After donation at Leeds Blood Donor Centre, your blood is tested for blood type, infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HTLV), and antibodies. It is then processed into components: red blood cells (used for surgery, trauma, anaemia), platelets (used for cancer treatment), and plasma (used for burns, liver disease, clotting disorders). Components are distributed to hospitals across England. One donation can save or improve up to three lives.
Yes, donating blood at Leeds Blood Donor Centre is very safe. All needles and equipment are sterile and used only once. You cannot catch any disease from giving blood. A standard whole blood donation is about 470ml (less than a pint) — your body replaces the fluid within 24-48 hours and the red blood cells within 4-6 weeks. Side effects are rare but may include feeling lightheaded or faint, bruising at the needle site, or tiredness.
Leeds Blood Donor Centre may offer platelet or plasma donations in addition to whole blood. Platelet donation uses an apheresis machine to collect platelets while returning the rest of your blood — the process takes about 90 minutes. Plasma donations take about 45 minutes. These components are vital for cancer patients, burn victims, and those with blood disorders. Not all centres offer all donation types — call 0300 123 23 23 to check.
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Contact Details
Address
Forsyth Court, 117 The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 5JX
Social Links
Opening Hours
Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
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