Urgent appeal for blood donors as stocks drop
STOCKS ARE AFFECTED BY STAFF ILLNESS AND PEOPLE ON HOLIDAY
NHS Blood and Transplant department has launched an urgent appeal asking people to to donate at Newcastle Donor Centre.
Stocks have been affected by staff and donor absence due to illness, as well as a drop in donations over warmer periods when people are busy with holidays and events. Stock levels are vulnerable and could fall further without a rise in appointments.
But the Newcastle donor centre is only 63% full for next week and only around 46% full the following week.
The lowest blood stock is for O positive, with national stock levels at just three days, while the NHS seeks to have six days worth. Donors with this type are particularly needed, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative.
Demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic. Hospitals are continuing to receive all the blood they need but more donation appointments are now needed to ensure stocks do not fall further. Each blood donation can save or improve up to three lives. Blood is used to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery
An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We currently have blood to meet demand but stocks have dropped and we need to stop them falling further - now.
“We urgently need more people to book appointments.”
There is a permanent blood donor centre at Holland Drive in the Arthur’s Hill area of Newcastle. There are also mobile sessions available.
Visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or download the NHS Give Blood app.