The health service urgently needs more blood donors to meet demands on its 'blood bank' for transfusions. Most of us ignore this need, but we are only too glad to receive the blood of other donors in emergencies. To boost the blood bank, transfusions should only be given to those who have indicated they are donors or agree to become donors. In this fairer system, receiving and giving within the blood service would become clear in everyone's mind and the blood bank given all the donations it needs.