Blood Donors

[icklepix]

Does anybody know when the next date is for donating blood, I seem to remember if you donated then you didnt need to go through the hassle of blood tests at residency.

[Deniz1]

You can donate blood any time at Lefkosia General Hospital.

[Marions]

Off hand I can't remember when the next BRS one is, but I do know that if you want it to count for residency it must be within a certain date of application. Best check with someone at BRS, or maybe Mamachina is reading this and she can give an answer.

[icklepix]

Thanks for the reply I did find something on the BRS website, you have to have 3 completed before your residency is due so we are a bit too late, oh well!

[Marions]

Sorry don't understand. Do you mean three weeks before?Or three donations? I thought it was a certain time period before! if I have it wrong, then sorry, but if you have read it wrongly, query with M,amaChina on here! Or do you mean you have run out of time?

[Keithcaley]

Here's a copy and paste from the BRS website: -

Your BRS Committee have been campaigning for some time to get the Government to recognise the contribution made by Blood Donors. Following a ‘trial’ scheme we are now in a position to outline the arrangement that we have now made with the health ministry.

Under 60's, who give blood on a regular basis, and need to obtain a blood test for residency, are now exempt from the charge of 135tl, provided

a) They have donated blood 3 times per annum including the residency blood donation.
b) That their last blood donation is made within 30 days of the residency renewal date.

Donors have a number of choices for donating Blood. They can either attend a BRS Blood Donor Day, as listed on the BRS website or visit the Blood Bank in Girne, the Central Blood Bank in Lefkosa or Famagusta Hospital.

Following your donation you will then collect your results. If this is your first blood donation you will be given a BRS donor card. This will show your name, your blood group and the date of donation. For subsequent donations, including your residency renewal, details will be added to the Blood Donor card.

The Blood Donor card will then become the evidence shown to Immigration Police in Girne or Famagusta, along with your other residency documents. The police will then sign a document confirming that they have seen your card and send to the Lefkosa Residency unit along with the other residency documents. When you go there to obtain your permit and pay your monies please take your residency blood donor results with you, together with your card.

There has been press coverage regarding a small number of people that have failed residency blood tests, and, who, as a result, have incurred significant expense for multiple tests. The Blood Donor tests are far more stringent and regular donors are highly unlikely to suffer from this problem. We would therefore recommend that all under 60’s take the opportunity that this exemption offers, not simply, on a cost saving basis but in avoiding the trauma that questionable test results can bring to that individual and his/her family.