HAVING read the letter "Blood donation is a draining experience" (January 15), I felt I had to write straight away so that letter doesn't put anyone off.

I have donated blood in York several times, and have never experienced the problems Mrs E Bacon has. The staff have always been extremely friendly, especially when York was my first time giving blood about 18 months ago at 19. They always have a chat with you.

The "safety checks and precautionary measures" that Mrs Bacon says drag down the donation are decided upon by the blood service as a whole, and are there to protect both donor and recipient.

People would soon have something to complain about if they got an infection from donating or, worse still, passed on an illness to someone who was in a weak enough position when in hospital.

In a world where people are all too ready to sue for any little incident, the blood service is helping ensure giving blood is as painless as possible. Surely a few minutes - and that's really all it is - isn't too much to ask for that?

I can't say much about the background music, other than it's never been bad when I've been there, usually only Radio Two-style music in the small ante-room, designed not to offend anyone. I can't say it's ever been loud enough to be distracting, certainly not to a level where I can't read with it on.

Obviously, Mrs Bacon didn't enjoy her experience, but I hope her letter hasn't put any readers off donating blood if they are thinking of doing so. I never liked the idea, but I went, and it really is a good, rewarding experience. I shall be giving my fifth pint shortly.

Philip Lickley, Wheatlands Grove, York.