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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Sarah Ward

NHS facing first-ever blood supply ‘red alert’

  • NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urging 200,000 more people to become regular blood donors to maintain a safe national blood supply.
  • Low blood stocks in 2024 triggered an "amber alert" following a cyber attack on London hospitals, and officials are trying to avoid a "red alert".
  • Only 2 per cent of the population, just under 800,000 people, currently supports the entire blood supply in England, while NHSBT says one million regular donors are needed.
  • There is a critical need for more donors with O negative blood (the universal blood type) and more Black donors to help treat sickle cell disease.
  • Isaac Balmer, a four-year-old with a genetic blood condition, receives blood transfusions every 12 weeks, highlighting the importance of regular blood donations.

IN FULL

NHS desperately seeks 200,000 more blood donors to avoid critical situation

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