BLOOD donors have welcomed changes to the rules for donation which have been described as “fairer and more inclusive.”

Services will now assess donor eligibility on a person-by-person basis instead of applying across-the-board restrictions, removing the deferment period for some gay and bisexual men from donating blood. 

The policy will take effect on World Blood Donor Day and will allow thousands of gay and bisexual men, previously excluded, to donate for the first time.