2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Anders Anglesey)
The NHS in England has called on Brits to "give the gift of blood" this Christmas in a new winter campaign. Donors were urged to not only book, but stick to their appointments in the weeks running up to Christmas as figures revealed that last December the total amount of blood collected was the lowest monthly total since 2020. In December last year, the NHS collected about 108,000 donations - 10 per cent below the monthly average.
The health service said there was a particular need for O negative, B negative and donors of black heritage to come forward. There are just under 100,000 appointments still to fill between now and Christmas week, with almost two-thirds of available appointments in town and city centre donor centres. The Christmas period is particularly busy for hospitals .
During Christmas week last year demand for the vital O negative blood type – the universal type used to save lives in emergencies – exceeded collections by 300 units. There is also a need for donors from the black community to help patients with sickle cell who need ethnically matched blood. England remains in amber alert for low blood stocks, with more than 99,000 appointments to fill across England up until the end of Christmas week, and over 62,000 of these in town and city centre donor centres.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round. Last December we saw a slump in donations so we are asking people to give the best gift this winter – please give blood. “We have asked a lot of our amazing donors this year and we are incredibly thankful for their support and dedication.
Between now and the end of Christmas week, we still have over 99,000 appointments that we need to fill to maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals. “People who don’t know their blood type will find out after donating. Giving blood is quick and easy.
“The whole process takes just one hour and each donation can save or improve up to three lives. Please book an appointment today and help us save lives this Christmas.” If you are interested in donating blood, visit blood.
co.uk , use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23. According to the NHS , every day 4,300 blood donations are needed every day to meet the need at the UK's hospitals.
It added more than 140,000 people donated blood for the first time this year and that 12,000 new Black donors are needed to meet the growing demand for ethnically matched blood for sickel cell patients who need regular donations to stay alive..
