The NHS “urgently” needs blood donors and has issues a national alert for the second time ever due to “unprecedentedly low levels.”
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said national stocks of O neg and O pos stocks are at “low levels” due to an increase in demand at hospitals across the UK which has created “a perfect storm.”
On Thursday the NHSBT issued an “amber alert” warning in a letter sent to hospitals asking them to limit the use of O type blood.
NHSBT chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: “We urgently need more O group donors to come forward and help boost stocks to treat patients needing treatment.
“Last month we saw an incredible response from donors who answered our call and filled up our centres, helping us meet the increased demands for blood throughout June.
“However, seven weeks on, the need for O negative blood in particular remains critical.”
