Blood donors '˜being exploited' by money-making Chesterfield venues

That is according to Fay Wainwright, of Birchwood Crescent, Grangewood, who thinks the practice is unethical.

She has given blood for more than 20 years but - since she became aware of the charges - has campaigned for a better system.

She said: “We are all saying put the NHS first, and yet that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“All these charges would keep a nurse for a year in the local hospital. Maybe that doesn’t seem much - but it is the ethics of it.”

Fay says Derby County FC is the most expensive venue in Derbyshire, followed by Chesterfield FC and the Winding Wheel.

“Why must these money making venues charge while we give up our time, petrol and blood to help?” she said.

“Let Chesterfield be the first one to get the ball rolling.

“If we cannot get the businesses to use their halls for free, why can’t we use council places free of charge, like the town hall, or schools?”

Jane Green, NHS Blood and transplant chief nurse, said: “We collect blood donations at a variety of venues. Some venues charge us for using their facilities and we understand the need to cover costs and we appreciate their support in hosting sessions.

“We are of course extremely grateful when venues can meet our needs at no cost. If venues are able to host us for free, or at a reduced amount, that helps reduce costs for the wider NHS.”