The NHS has pleaded with Londoners for donations of a rare blood type, warning that supplies are at a "worrying low".
Around 2,100 people in the capital with B-negative blood are being urged by the health service to “boost stocks this summer”.
Family members of those in this group have also been told to come forward as they are 30 per cent more likely to have this rare type.
A drop in the number of the B-negative donor base and a spike in demand for this blood type has left stocks under pressure.
Only two per cent of the British population have B-negative blood, making it one of the rarest types along with AB-positive and AB-negative.
Patients who are B-negative can only receive B-negative or O-negative blood, the NHS said.
Hospitals across England need more than 5,000 blood donations every day.
Donations are crucial for saving lives by providing a vital resource for patients in emergencies, during surgery and for those with long-term medical conditions.
However, fewer than 20,000 people with B-negative blood regularly donate to the NHS, with 1,000 donors lost since 2023.
B-negative donors are immensely important to our lifesaving work
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “B-negative donors are immensely important to our lifesaving work but as one of the rarest blood types, it can be a challenge to always collect enough.
“Right now B-negative stocks are at risk of running low. With a blood type this rare, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units, can put significant extra pressure on supplies.
“We urgently need existing B-negative donors to make an appointment to donate and more people with this blood type to become regular donors and help secure the life-saving supply of blood to patients in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“If you are a B-negative donor and can’t find an appointment at a session near you, please call us and we will do what we can to make one available for you. If you have never given blood before and believe you are B-negative please sign up and book an appointment today.”
To donate, use the GiveBlood app or call 03001232323.
