Post-donation guidelines

Private GP Appointments

If a donor is unable to access their GP, or their GP is unable to provide a timely appointment, DFU can arrange referral to a private GP practice close to the donor’s home and cover the costs. This does not need to be raised as a SAR to track the cost if it is just a one-off appointment. If a series of appointments is required, for example a course of physio sessions, it should be raised as a SAR.

Emotional and Physical Recovery

The Young Donor Project found a possible link between emotional and physical recovery post-donation. Donors who experience emotional distress post-donation may find it reflected in a slower physical recovery, and vice versa. If a donor is experiencing extreme distress or low mood during any conversation with Anthony Nolan then this will be discussed with the medical officer immediately. If the donor is at risk of immediate harm the Anthony Nolan Safeguarding procedure will be followed.

When speaking to donors for the day 2/3 follow up call, it is standard procedure to ask the donor about their emotional wellbeing. It may be appropriate at this point to bring this possible link between emotional and physical recovery to their attention, to encourage them to be aware of their recovery in a holistic sense and encourage them to reach out for support if needed.

If the donor notes feeling worse than usual emotionally, or notes any distress whether directly related to the donation process or in their own life, it may be appropriate to discuss the following with them:

• What are the things causing stress/distress now?

• Has the donation process itself impacted their emotional wellbeing, or brought up/amplified difficult emotions?

• What support do they have? (e.g. is there anyone in their family or friends, social/religious/work group that they feel comfortable talking to, or any activity that they find relaxing/a good distraction)

• If they don’t have any support in place; what kinds of things do they think may be helpful for them? (e.g. do they find talking helpful, or prefer to find other activities to distract them etc.)

If a donor feels worse emotionally after the donation, DFU will offer a second follow-up phone call a week after donation to check in on their wellbeing. If in this call a donor is still experiencing low mood or distress, then it should be discussed with the DFU Manager and the Medical team. It may be appropriate to offer the option of counselling sessions with Anthony Nolan’s counsellor, or the Medical team may advise the donor to see their GP for further support. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

DFU does not provide counselling or psychological support for the donor themselves but, following the training and guidance from regular clinical supervision sessions, offers a safe and non-judgmental space for the donor to talk through how they are feeling. Through these discussions DFU will gather the relevant information from the donor to share with the Medical Team and DFU Manager to determine next steps.

Index of Symptoms

Abdominal Swelling and Pain or Discomfort (PBSC only)

POST DONATION Abdominal Swelling and Pain or Discomfort

Back Pain (BM only)

POST DONATION Back Pain

Bruising at Donation Site

POST DONATION Bruising at Donation Site

Headache (PBSC only)

POST DONATION Headache

Infection at Donation Site

POST DONATION Infection at Donation Site

Infections (Other), and Viruses

POST DONATION Infections (Other), and Viruses

Muscle Cramps

POST DONATION Muscle Cramps

Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhoea (PBSC only)

POST DONATION Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhoea

Pain and/or Tingling at Donation Site

POST DONATION Pain and/or Tingling at Donation Site

Pain at G-CSF Injection Site (PBSC only)

POST DONATION Pain at G-CSF Injection Site

Rash

POST DONATION Rash

Restless Legs

POST DONATION Restless Legs

Tiredness

POST DONATION Tiredness