Blood Donation Centres

Welsh Blood Service Donor Centre

Ely Valley Road, Talbot Green, Pontyclun CF72 9WB

Overview

Welsh Blood Service Donor Centre in Pontyclun is a vital blood donation facility operated by Welsh Blood Service, the organisation responsible for collecting, testing, and distributing blood products across Wales. Located on Ely Valley Road in this accessible Rhondda Cynon Taf location, the centre plays an important role in maintaining Wales's blood supply for hospitals, emergency services, and patients requiring transfusions.

The donor centre welcomes voluntary blood donors from the local community and surrounding areas. The facility is equipped to conduct health screenings, take donations, and ensure all blood products meet strict safety and quality standards. Staff provide a professional, friendly environment where donors can contribute to this essential healthcare service. The centre operates regular opening hours to accommodate donors' schedules.

This service is crucial for the NHS and saves lives across Wales. The centre relies on regular donors to maintain adequate blood stock levels for planned procedures and emergencies. Prospective donors can visit the centre to donate whole blood or register for future appointments, supporting this life-saving service.

Frequently Asked Questions

To give blood at Welsh Blood Service Donor Centre in Pontyclun, 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. Welsh Blood Service Donor Centre will advise you on when you can next donate based on the type of donation you make.
At Welsh Blood Service 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 Welsh Blood Service 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 0800 25 22 66 or check blood.co.uk if unsure.
Welsh Blood Service 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 0800 25 22 66 to check.
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.
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 0800 25 22 66 or check blood.co.uk for a full list of eligibility criteria.
Yes, donating blood at Welsh Blood Service 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.
After donation at Welsh Blood Service 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.
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 Welsh Blood Service 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.
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Contact Details
Address
Ely Valley Road, Talbot Green
Pontyclun
CF72 9WB
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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