Urgent appeal to blood donors

National Health Service Blood and Transport (NHSBT) especially needs blood donors who are O Rh negative (O-).
Blood stocks can often dip around holiday time as people get distracted and can’t always attend their sessions.
In addition, the recent outbreak of norovirus, has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people correctly cancelling their appointments
NHSBT assistant director Jon Latham said: “We would like to urge all O- donors to walk into their most convenient donor session to give blood to help rebuild stock levels. We are always grateful to donors who respond to calls such as this and appreciate that in doing so they do give up some of their precious time.
“Waiting times may vary in the next few days as we try to accommodate all donors. Demand for blood never stops and O- donors can help to ensure healthy blood stocks in the upcoming weeks, by giving blood now and in the next few days.”
Donors with blood group O- negative are commonly known as the ‘universal donor’ as their blood can be given to patients with a different blood group. This can prove vital in an emergency situation where there may not be time for an immediate blood group testing to be carried out.
Approximately seven per cent of the population have this blood group.
For more information, to book an appointment or to find a local blood donor session call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk