NHS calls for blood donors before Christmas

Blood donors are being urged to keep their appointments before Christmas to avoid stocks becoming depleted over the critical festive period.

Around one in four appointments to give blood were cancelled at short notice by donors in the week before Christmas last year, while one in ten simply failed to turn up.

NHS Blood and Transplant said it needs people to keep their appointments to avoid an even more serious pre-christmas slump. Donors who have reason to cancel are being asked to give at least three days’ notice so the slot can be given to someone else.

It warned a serious drop in donations could affect the supply of blood to the tens of thousands of people who will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth or an accident.

Existing blood donors are being prioritised for appointments in the run-up to and over Christmas.

New donors who have registered but not yet donated are being asked to make an appointment for the new year.