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By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WESTFIELD On Dec. 14 Noble Hospital had an unveiling of their expanded blood donation facilities located at their 115 West Silver Street location. "Our goal is to collect more of our own units of blood to use in house," Joan Murphy, transfusion services manager said to Reminder Publications. The blood donation program has been in place at the hospital for over 20 years but the expansion is a recent addition to the facility Murphy said. "It will allow us to collect a lot more blood and the community spirit of it makes it a social event rather than hospital-like," Murphy said. The expansion includes a new confidentiality room for screenings and questionnaires; a snack area with vending machines and cookies; tables and chairs; and an expanded transfusion space. "They [Noble] take your blood pressure, they send you a thank-you letter with your cholesterol count and they let you know what your health is like," George Iwasykiw, a long-time blood donor at Noble said. Iwasykiw, an employee of the Post Office, said that himself and other employees are provided a paid leave for two to four hours while participating in the donation process. Murphy said that at this point in time Noble has not had an emergency situation that has existed from lack of blood. "Some elective surgeries are put off if this happens," Murphy said. Murphy said that this time of year it is hard to get anyone to come in. "We go into a slump," she said. Anyone wishing to participate in blood donations can call 572-5035 to make an appointment. Murphy recommends that they have a good meal and plenty to drink before the donation. "You can resume normal activity after," she said. "The whole procedure takes under an hour," she added. "We try to emphasize to people that it is true volunteer work and it is the most altruistic choice you can make," Murphy said. "You really are saving people's lives." The hospital has also expanded their collection hours to accommodate people. Murphy said the blood supply will never go to waste because other communities can use the surplus blood supply. "There is no replacement for blood, nothing," Murphy said. |