Give blood in 2018 to maintain stock levels

PEOPLE are being urged to donate blood over New Year and into 2018 after some post-Christmas clinics were “significantly under-booked”.

The Welsh Blood Service is calling for more donors to ensure hospitals maintain a steady supply over the winter season.

According to the latest stock levels across Wales, the service has four days’ worth of blood supply for O negative and just three days for AB negative. Anything under that is seen as a clinical shortage.

O negative supplies are seen as “vital” as this blood type can be used to treat any patient in an emergency.

But when it comes to more common blood types, such as O positive and A positive, the service has 11 days of supply, which is seen as an acceptable level.

It must be noted that many hospitals also house their own blood banks.

A text was sent out by the Welsh Blood Service to regular blood donors over the festive period which encouraged people to attend their nearest clinic.

It read: “Our post-Christmas clinics are significantly underbooked. Help us support the needs of Welsh hospitals at this busy time of year.”

The Welsh Blood Service said despite the lack of donors signing up for clinics, their stock is in an “acceptable position” at the moment. However, this could change if they fail to increase their pool of donors into 2018.

To donate visit www.welshblood.org.uk or call 0800 252266.