Ending the service of long term volunteers

This story "Donor volunteer in Marlborough is given the push" (from This is Wiltshire website) raises some of the issues involved when organisations bring long-standing volunteers' opportunities to an end. 

What do others think?

Red Cross volunteer Pat Spackman is smarting this week after she was given the push as a volunteer at blood donor sessions after 21 years.

Mrs Spackman, from Purlyn Acre, Marlborough, received a letter from the National Blood Service last week thanking her for all her selfless devotion to duty over the years but told she was no longer required to help at the regular donor sessions at Marlborough leisure centre.

Mrs Spackman said: "They have had some kind of restructuring. I don't quite understand what it's all about. In 21 years I have missed only five sessions and I shall miss it very much.

"I'm upset because I've always looked forward to it. I am used to chatting to people to take the strain out of giving blood and handing out not just tea but TLC as well.

"I got to know quite a few people over the years and looked forward to their turn to give blood. They, in turn, looked forward to seeing me and my large teapot."

Mrs Spackman is unable to give blood herself as she received blood transfusions when she suffered a ruptured spleen some years ago. She said she wanted to thank everyone she had met through the blood donor sessions for their friendship over the years and said people should go on giving blood.

She said: "I would encourage people to give blood as often as they can. Blood only has a lifespan of ten days."

A spokesman for the National Blood Service said that long-term volunteers are being stood down as there have been changes in the way the sessions are run.

He said: "A trained member of staff must be on hand in the tea area at all times in case a donor gets into problems with feeling faint or re-bleeding. We appreciate that some of these people have been volunteering for a long time and they see it as a social outlet. They can still come along if they are missing the donor engagement, but they just can't hand out tea and juice any more.