BLOOD donors are being urged to sign-up and boost stocks which have been affected because of floods causing disruptions in many parts of the country.
Stocks of blood groups O Rh negative and B Rh negative are under pressure, as demand from hospitals continues.
Jon Latham Assistant Director at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We need those donors who are able to reach their local sessions to continue to do so. If you have an appointment please try to keep it and if, for some reason, you cannot attend please rebook your appointment as soon as possible. We’re particularly asking O Rh negative and B Rh negative donors, who are eligible to donate, to make an appointment now to come give blood or just come along to a local session during the coming week.
“We would like to say thank you, to all those donors who have been able to attend sessions and give blood during this bad weather.”
Donors with blood group O Rh negative are typically 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 when there may not be time for an immediate blood grouping test to be carried out. Approximately seven per cent of the population have this blood group.
Donors with the blood group B Rh negative are more often found in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Only two per cent of the population has this blood group and these donors are in particularly needed.
Blood isn’t just needed in accidents and emergencies, many patients, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer and leukaemia, need regular blood transfusions.
Donated blood saves and improves lives. Each donation can potentially save the lives of three adults and just a teaspoon of blood could save the life of a newborn baby.
If you can help ring the Donor Helpline on 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk to register your details, find the venues and times for your nearest blood donation session. New donors are always welcome.
Anyone wanting to donate for the first time should be aged between 17-65, weighing at least 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health.
If you’ve donated before, you can start again up to your 70th birthday and there is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.