Operation Billy comes to Rochdale Infirmary!

Date published: 16 October 2007

Children at Rochdale Infirmary will get the chance to carry out their own "operations" this week after a surprise visit from the National Blood Service’s  (NBS) giant mascot, Billy Blood Drop. 

The NBS is touring the country with Billy handing out copies of Operation: Rapid Response, the new game from leading toy manufacturer Hasbro. 

A spell in hospital can be unpleasant for anyone, but for children it can be particularly scary and also very boring. The visits from Billy are aimed at keeping boredom at bay, as well as raising awareness of the need for blood donations.

Ken Goodisson, Brand Leader at Hasbro said: "Operation: Rapid Response comes with several electronic features including a push pump oxygen ventilator and a light up heart monitor. This game is not only great fun to play with, but will help the children familiarise themselves with the hospital equipment around them and we may even start off some budding new surgeons!"

Billy Blood Drop, a 6ft tall and 3ft wide giant blood drop, is set to visit the ward bearing the gifts on Wednesday.

Anne Marie Smith, Divisional Nurse Manager for Children’s services at Pennine Acute Trust said: "We are delighted to welcome Billy Blood Drop.  Many of our children benefit from donated blood, which plays a crucial role in their recovery.  Learning through play really does get the message across to children and they will be thrilled to meet Billy and participate in the games.  Move over surgeons – here they come!"

Every day in Lancashire alone, the NBS needs to collect around 250 donations of blood to save and improve the lives of patients of all ages. And with an approximate 10-15% decline in the number of people donating blood every year, new donors are always needed.

If you are aged between 17 - 59 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 50kg (7st 12lbs) you could save lives by giving blood.  For more information on giving blood including details of local sessions, or to make an appointment, please call 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk