Blood donors are being urged to fill available appointments over Easter and into April and May, by booking and sticking to their appointments at donor centres.

According to the NHS, blood stocks are more likely to drop around public holidays like Easter and May bank holidays when people take leave from work, go on holiday and don’t donate.

People are being asked to make and keep appointments during the coming weeks to help keep blood stocks stable over the bank holiday period.

If donors need to cancel, they are asked to give as much notice as possible so someone else can take the slot.

There are currently a combined 1,076 spare slots over the next fortnight and many more in the coming weeks.

Over the next fortnight Manchester Norfolk House Donor Centre has 657 available slots and Manchester Plymouth Grove Donor Centre has 419 available slots.

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Right now, there is a particular need for donors with O negative blood type, used for patients receiving emergency transfusions, though all types remain in demand.

Blood is needed to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.

Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “As we enter the Easter and Spring bank holiday period it is vital that we continue to collect enough blood to meet hospital demand.

“We need our incredible donors in London to step up this Easter, especially if they have the O neg blood group, to make and keep an appointment for the next few weeks or re-schedule if they can’t attend.

“Our fantastic teams at our Manchester donor centres will be delighted to welcome you. Every appointment counts this Easter and beyond.”

Existing donors and those who have donated in the past are more likely to be able to donate successfully and their blood types are known, so during these busy holiday periods they are key to ensuring the right volume and mix of blood and blood products, however new donors – especially those with O negative blood type - are encouraged to come forward too.

Register now and book an appointment at www.blood.co.uk, on the GiveBloodNHS app or call 0300 123 23 23.

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