Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

More than 3,902 local residents have already offered to donate plasma after recovering, but only 34 per cent of those have been male.

Men making their first donation are three times more likely than women to provide a unit of plasma with a high level of antibodies.

NHS Blood and Transplant director Professor Dave Roberts said: “We’re not sure why fewer men than women are offering to donate in Nottinghamshire but we need men who have coronavirus symptoms to come forward.

Peter Mates from Droylsden had coronavirus and spent two weeks in ICU. He is now one of thousands of recovered people donating their plasma, which can contain antibodies against the virus. Peter has the highest antibody levels of any donor so far

“You don’t need to have had had a positive test – if you had the symptoms, we want to hear from you, as all donations are tested.”

He added: “Please help the NHS fight COVID-19 by donating. It is safe and easy, and you could save lives.”

Trials are currently under way to investigate whether plasma from people who have recovered can be transfused into people who are still unwell to help develop their own immune response.

The plasma contains antibodies which could stop the virus spreading and save lives.

As they are more likely to be seriously affected by the virus, men generally produce more antibodies, and because of the larger volume of blood in their circulation, each donation is more efficient.

Nationwide, more than 17,000 donations have been made so far.

Donation takes about 45 minutes, and the body usually replaces the plasma and antibodies in 24-48 hours.

To offer a donation, go to www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.

NHS COVID-19 treatment trials seeking Nottinghamshire men to help save lives with blood plasma donations