Ms Deveridge works as a haematologist at the Mater Hospital.

But that isn’t the only experience she has had with blood.

She was the blood bank’s director when it was called the Royal Newcastle Hospital and District Blood Transfusion Service.

Ms Deveridge said there were many uses for blood but plasma was particularly important.

She uses plasma that is manufactured into a clotting product called Factor Eight, to treat people who have haemophilia – an inherited bleeding disorder.

The doctor has about 50 patients at the hospital, who have this disorder.

“If these people didn’t get plasma, they would die.

“We couldn’t do what we do without blood.”

Ms Deveridge said she would like to encourage people to donate blood and help others out.

“A blood donor is a very special person.

“By donating, you can improve the health of your community.”

For more information or to donate blood, go to www.donateblood.com.au or phone 131 495.