An urgent plea has been issued to thousands of “missing” O negative blood donors across London, as supplies run “critically low”.
NHS Blood and Transplant has revealed there are 4,303 donors in the capital with the vital O negative blood type whose last donation was more than 12 months ago.
With four bank holidays, the Easter break, and half term all falling within a six-week period, maintaining steady blood stocks has been extremely challenging for staff.
Donors are urgently needed to come forward and help the NHS replenish supplies of this specific blood type, which is now under severe strain.
Doctors rely on blood donations to treat patients who have lost significant blood due to accidents, need transfusions, or require blood components for specific medical conditions.
O negative is the universal type that can be given safely given to anyone, making it a lifeline in emergencies. Just eight per cent of the population have O negative blood but it makes up around 16 per cent of hospital orders.
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Our ‘missing’ O negative donors in London have the power to relieve the pressure on supplies of this vital blood type.
“If you are O negative and haven’t given blood in a while, please book an appointment to donate today. Don’t hesitate - patients need you now.
“Our fixed donor centres generally have the best availability.
“If you can’t find an appointment straight away please book further ahead or keep checking back to help fill last minute appointments or cancellations.
“Every donation makes a critical difference.”
While community donation sessions in places like church halls are generally well filled, London’s seven donor centres have good availability.
Donors are especially needed to fill slots during the quieter weekday morning and afternoon sessions.
Daily appointment availability for donor centres is now published each morning.
Hospitals across England need more than 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients for a wide variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries or accidents, cancer treatments, sickle cell and childbirth.
However, blood has a shelf life of 35 days so it is vital stocks are constantly replenished.
Donating a unit of blood takes just an hour and each donation can save up to three lives. Men can give blood every three months and women every four months.
To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk.
