A BARNSLEY centre which specialises in supporting blood transfer teams for the NHS across the north was officially opened by Princess Anne this week.

Her Royal Highness spoke with several members of staff at NHS Blood and Transplant, on Capitol Park in Dodworth, on Tuesday, before visiting Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne.

Chris Sims, head of the NHS centre, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to showcase our wonderful work and to highlight the great work we do in helping patients receive life-saving services.”

NHS Blood and Transplant - which opened last summer but had its official unveil postponed due to the pandemic - is responsible for blood, organ, tissue and stem cell donation, carrying out research and providing specialist services to hospitals.

The hub was created after the consolidation of centres in Leeds and Sheffield, and provides blood to 39 hospitals in the north of England.

Chris added: “Over the next 12 months, it’s estimated that 205,000 red cell units of blood, 37,000 units of platelets and 21,000 units of fresh frozen plasma will be issued from the site to help save or improve the lives of patients in hospital.”