HALL hire charges for blood donation sessions in Lancashire have cost the NHS more than £335,000 in the past three years, new figures show.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that tens of thousands of pounds are paid out each year to venues hosting blood donation events across the county.

In 2009, the total cost of room hire was £73,375.26; in 2010 £83,485.71; in 2011 £75,227.26, in 2012 £85,596.40 and the latest figure for 2013 was £17,854.11.

The costs include four hours’ hire at Clitheroe Village Hall for £666, King George's Hall, Blackburn, for £292 and The Jans Conference Centre, in the Audley area of Blackburn, for £299.

Although donation bosses said suitable, comfortable venues were essential, they added that they also aim to reduce costs where possible.

Barbara Blanche, lead donor relations manager for Lancashire, said: "As well as the overall cost, we need to ensure the venue is safe, suitable for the donors, with enough space for the equipment and accessible for all with the necessary facilities.

"We also need to make sure that it is a pleasant experience for the donors who volunteer their time in order to help save lives.

"Our team works across Lancashire with all of the venues to secure the best rates and we are happy with the support they have shown us over the years.

"The average cost per session is around £239 which takes into account all of our needs. The costs for the larger venues may be necessary to ensure our sessions are held in prime locations whereas the smaller village halls may need the funds to keep up repairs.

"It is important to remember that none of our services would be available without the endless support shown by blood donors.

“In the last 12 months, a total of 9,632 people from Lancashire signed up as new donors to donate blood.”

For more information about giving blood call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk