Most People Would Rather Stay In Bed Than Save A Life

As the clocks go back, a new survey reveals that most of us will spend the extra hour in bed, in the garden or at home watching TV.

A MORI poll, commissioned by the National Blood Service, reveals that less than 1% will use the extra hour to give blood. More popular pastimes are DIY, shopping, sporting activities - or even doing nothing at all.

The survey asked people what they would do if they had an extra hour in the day, for instance when the clocks go back. Brewers and publicans will be delighted at the prospect of increased profits - 10% of young people said they will be spending the extra hour in their local - but blood bosses are concerned that saving lives comes so far down the list of national priorities.

Q If you had an extra hour in the day, for instance, when the clocks go back, how would you be most likely to spend it?

Gardening	21% (a)
In bed	20% (b)
Watching TV	12%
Doing DIY	7%
Shopping	6%
Do nothing	6%
Playing sport	5%
In the gym	3%
In the pub	3% (b)
Washing the car	1%
Giving blood	*
Other	11%
Don't know	4%

(a) (37% of people 55 years and above) (b) (30% of young people 17 -24 years) *denotes a value of less than 0.5% but greater than zero.

Liz Reynolds, Director of Donor Communications for the National Blood Service in London and the south-east, commented that the results were disappointing but not entirely unexpected.

"Everyone leads such busy lives nowadays that it's tempting to grab leisure time where we can."

The survey forms part of the launch of the National Blood Service's Autumn campaign 'Do something amazing today. Save a Life. Give blood'. The aim is to replenish stocks that traditionally fall dramatically over the Summer period, and to encourage people to think about what they do with their time, particularly now they have a little more of it.

"We're not necessarily asking people to come along to collection sessions on Sunday 25th, but why not bank that extra hour and use it over the next few days to help save a life?", suggests Liz Reynolds. "Telephoning 0345-711 711 will get you all the information you need, and we would be delighted to hear from you."

The NBS explained that the government drive to bring down waiting lists is creating an even greater demand for blood.

"Hospitals are likely to use up to 10% more blood as they increase the number of routine operations. We are looking for both old and new donors to come forward and allow this work to continue," adds Reynolds.

And she has a special message to those looking forward to that extra time in bed: "At least come along and lie on one of ours!"

Technical details

Base: 1,778 British public (aged 17+) Conducted by MORI 4-12 September 1998

New and regular donors are constantly needed. For more information about blood donation please call our Donor Care line +44 (0)345-711 711 Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm. Blood donors must be in good general health, aged between 17-70 (17-60 for new donors) and weigh more than 7st 12lbs.