People who lived in the United Kingdom during the 'mad cow disease' outbreak can now donate blood in Australia after the 22-year blood ban was lifted.
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Since December 2000, those who had spent six months or more in the UK between 1980 and 1996 were prevented from donating blood.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said she hoped about 18,000 additional donors would come forward.
The change will potentially contribute up to 58,000 additional donations each year, Ms Stone said.
Wollongong Lifeblood staff took the opportunity to deck out their clinic in UK flags in celebration and served up some scones with jam and cream for the occasion.
Blood donor Phillip Walls, who lived in the UK, wasted no time and bee-lined to the Wollongong Lifeblood clinic after being alerted to the change..
"I saw it on the news this morning and I thought, 'well, I should get down there'," Mr Walls said.
After donating, he posted a photo on Facebook to encourage others to "try to get some of the old Poms down there!".
Mr Walls said he had missed having the opportunity to give back, and was excited to finally get the chance.
"I used to give blood a lot and to be honest I was a bit upset [when the ban came into effect]," he said.
"It's a very little thing we can do to help people - it's a no-brainer."
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick also rolled up his sleeve.
Wollongong Lifeblood donor manager Lyn Lindley said she hoped to welcome more people into the centre after the ban was overturned.
"We're expecting in the next week or so to have an uptake of people," Ms Lindley said.
"We absolutely encourage people [who have not been able to donate] and we'll welcome them," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS
The move to institute a ban in 2000 was a precautionary measure in response to the UK outbreak of mad cow disease and concerns about the risk of acquiring human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), according to Lifeblood.
The recommendation by Lifeblood to set aside the ban was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration following an in-depth risk assessment.
Ms Stone said the evidence to overturn the ban was thoroughly reviewed.
"It's taken some time; however, we're so pleased our comprehensive review of the evidence and our risk modelling has found this rule is no longer required," she said.
"Our teams are in the process of contacting donors who have previously been unable to donate due to this rule," Ms Stone said.
Rosie Bensley
Illawarra Mercury trainee journalist and newest recruit.
Illawarra Mercury trainee journalist and newest recruit.
