The Red Cross Blood Donor Centre at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital recently installed five state-of-the-art reclining chairs to improve the safety and comfort of their donors.

The new Dacor recliners are ergonomically-designed with automatic positioning so donors can now make adjustments with the touch of a button.

A press release from Bermuda Hospitals Board yesterday reported that a generous contribution to purchase the chairs was given by donor Michael Mello and his wife, Lucy.

"The Mellos decided to fund a new chair in honour of their 18-year-old cousin, Miguel Franco, who passed away last year following a road traffic accident," the release stated.

Mrs. Mello said: "Although Miguel did not survive, we were grateful to the Blood Donor Centre for their efforts. We felt donating a recliner was an appropriate way to honour Miguel's memory."

The response from the donors was so well received that it was decided to purchase additional recliners for the facility.

Medical Director of the Blood Transfusion Service, Betsie Lombard said: "Our new chairs provide great arm support and have remote control for ease of operation.

"Donors can control the height of their legs and can recline at various angles, which prevents any chance of light-headedness."

Gina Wilkinson, a regular blood donor said: "I can't say enough about how comfortable the new chair is.

"Staff have always been wonderful when I come to donate blood.

"With the new recliners, the atmosphere is even more relaxed and friendly and the experience is very positive."