The NHS is appealing to thousands of “missing” blood donors across London to come forward urgently, as it warns that supplies of O Negative blood are 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.
It is calling on these donors to come forward urgently to help rebuild supplies after a combination of factors have left this crucial blood type under particular pressure.
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 with more than 10 slots that day is now published each morning at donor centre appointment tracker to make it easier for donors to book an immediate appointment. Click here to visit donor centre appointment tracker.
O Negative is the universal type that can be given safely given to anyone, making it a lifeline in emergencies. Just 8% of the population have O negative blood but it makes up around 16% of hospital orders.
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.
- Book an appointment today at www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
PAID ADS: To advertise your services or products to our 10,000 weekday visitors to the site, as featured on Google News Showcase, email us inside.croydon@btinternet.com for our unbeatable ad rates
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
As featured on Google News Showcase
- Our comments section on every report provides all readers with an immediate “right of reply” on all our content. Our comments policy can be read by clicking here
Inside Croydon is a member of the Independent Community News Network
