Birmingham donors contribute to achievement: Over 2,000 NHS patients across the country now benefitting from life-saving treatments made from UK donor plasma

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and hospitals across the country are celebrating a significant milestone, with 2,221 NHS patients now treated with lifesaving immunoglobin medicines made from UK-donated plasma since the first patients began receiving treatment in March 2025.

The UK’s move to collect and use domestic plasma for the manufacture of vital treatments such as immunoglobulins and albumin significantly strengthens the supply chain of these vital treatments, boosting NHS supply, alongside imported medicines, to ensure patients can get what they need, when they need it. The UK’s plasma collection programme, led by NHS Blood and Transplant, has now enabled 574,402 litres of UK plasma to be transported across Europe to manufacture vital plasma-based medicines, including immunoglobulins and albumin, before bringing them back for use in UK hospitals.

This major achievement is a testament to the generosity of UK plasma and blood donors, whose contributions have been pivotal in making these life-saving medicines available to NHS patients. One of the many patients now receiving UK-derived plasma medicines is Samantha Bloomfield, a 55-year-old patient from Leeds, who has been receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for over 14 years and switched to the UK medicine in June 2025.  

Samantha, who suffers from Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a condition which severely compromised her immune system, relies on regular IVIG treatments at St James’s University Hospital, part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, to help strengthen her immune system and protect her from serious infections. Samantha says: "I have been receiving intravenous immunoglobulin infusions for 14 years and as of June 2025 have switched to receiving the medicines made from UK plasma.    

“Infusions have been life-changing for me and I rely on them to keep me well. Before I started on them, I was regularly suffering from various infections, and this just doesn’t happen anymore. Before starting IVIG infusions I was constantly sick and needing time off work, but now I can’t remember the last time I had a chest infection. 

“It is incredible to think that I’m receiving this treatment made from the plasma of UK blood donors. Knowing that we now have this ability in the UK gives peace of mind for the future, not just for me, but for all patients reliant on regular IVIG infusions.

“I feel extremely grateful to all the donors who make these treatments possible." Anthony Staincliffe, Assistant Director of Change Delivery and Performance for plasma, at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Reaching this six-month milestone is an extraordinary achievement for everyone involved in getting this programme up and running, and demonstrates the real difference UK plasma donations are now making to lots of patients, with Samantha being one of them.  

“The increased resilience in the supply of immunoglobulin and albumin across the NHS is a critical step towards reducing reliance on imports from other countries. The generosity of donors is literally saving and improving lives right across the country. We urgently need more blood and plasma donors to help save and improve more lives.

“Even if you don’t live near one of our specialist plasma centres, every one of our blood donors also contributes to making these vital medicines, as we recover plasma from each blood donation too.” James Palmer, National Medical Director for Specialised Services at NHS England, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact this new programme is already having in its first six months, with NHS staff able to provide life-saving treatments to more than 2,000 people who have now safely started on a medicine made from UK plasma donations.

“We’ve seen a real step-change that strengthens the medicine supply chain and UK resilience to global disruptions – ensuring patients will always be able to access the treatment they need, when they need it.” Sarah Denman, Clinical Pharmacist and West Yorkshire Sub-Regional Immunoglobulin Assessment Panel Co-ordinator, at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: "The UK’s plasma programme is making a real difference in the lives of patients who rely on immunoglobulin treatment, such as Samantha.

“For clinicians, it is great to know we have a consistent supply of products that we can provide to our patients. We continue to urge more people to come forward and sign up as blood and plasma donors – your support means the world to the patients we treat and support every day, and these treatments just wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of those who donate.”   

Dr Susan Walsh, CEO of Immunodeficiency UK, said: “For patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency, plasma-derived medicines provide a vital lifeline.

“Having a UK supply means greater security for patients who rely on immunoglobulin to stay well and highlights the generosity of UK donors whose plasma is being transformed into life-saving therapies. Immunodeficiency UK welcomes this progress and thanks every donor whose gift is helping to protect the lives of people living with immunodeficiency.” 

Every blood and plasma donor makes a vital contribution to making these life-saving medicines. To find out more, book an appointment or register as either a blood or plasma donor, please visit: www.blood.co.uk, download the NHS Give Blood app or call 0300 123 23 23.