BLOOD
DRIVE

Edinburgh Medical School 300 Blood Drive

Throughout 2026, the Edinburgh Medical School 300 project is marking 300 years of medical education at the University of Edinburgh. We are delivering a year-long programme of events and activities that aim to build community, forge meaningful partnerships and create sustainable change. Colleagues from across the University, the NHS and our wider community have worked together to plan our activity for the year.

Donate blood and give back

As part of the events this year, we are excited to launch a pledge campaign encouraging staff, students, alumni, as well as Edinburgh Medical School partners and supporters, to donate blood and give back to society. Help us build a legacy beyond 2026.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is calling on people across Scotland to register as a blood donor, as new figures show the number of people actively donating has fallen from around 3% of the population to under 2%.

The questions we ask donors change regularly, so even if you’re a regular donor it’s worth checking. Eligibility quiz link Scotblood | Can I give blood?

Not in Edinburgh?

Even if you aren’t local to Edinburgh Medical School, you can still get involved and donate blood in your local area - just make sure to record your donation using our pledge form, so that we know you’re donating as part of our blood drive.

Once you’ve completed this, if you are based in Scotland, pop your postcode into the website session finder at www.scotblood.co.uk

For the rest of the UK and Ireland, visit:

Donate with us in Edinburgh

Following the success of our first Edinburgh Medical School 300 pop-up blood drive on 4 June, we’re delighted to be hosting another blood drive on Thursday 23 July – and we’d love for you to join if you can!

This session is open to all students, staff and the wider community.

Edinburgh Medical School blood drive

Thursday 23 July, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Edinburgh BioQuarter campus, Usher Building, Enlighten 1

Everyone is welcome but appointments are encouraged.

To book your appointment visit www.scotblood.co.uk and search for ‘Edinburgh’ ‘BioQuarter’ or ‘Little France.’ You can also give us a call on 0345 90 90 999 or email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot, quoting Usher Building EA063.

Top tip: If you are booking your appointment online, you may be prompted to register for an online Give Blood account (if you don’t already have one) before you can book your slot.  So, please consider starting the registration process early to ensure your account is set up in time.”

About Edinburgh Medical School 300

In 2026, medicine will have been taught at the University of Edinburgh for 300 years.

Edinburgh has always been at the heart of public health: our students and alumni have shaped modern medicine. Today, Edinburgh Medical School trains healthcare professionals and research scientists to respond to the health challenges of our time and is home to one of the strongest research communities in the world.

Find out more about Edinburgh Medical School 300 and view a programme of events on our website: medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/

Please note that Give Blood 4 Good is an awareness charity that aims to improve education and increase participation surrounding blood donation in the UK. We run independently of Give Blood services across the UK, so if you have questions about your appointment then please get in touch with the appropriate NHS service directly.