Last week the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) launched an appeal for donors to help boost stocks to 30% above usual levels by the start of the Olympic Games in July. The increase is needed because of the unusually high number of public events in the UK this summer, including the Olympic Games.
Past experience shows that even regular donors miss appointments during national events and celebrations as routines are disrupted. This, combined with the high numbers of international visitors with a different native blood mix to our own may also put high demand on specific blood groups.
The higher than usual number of public holidays and sporting events and the Jubilee celebrations makes forward planning essential to ensure anticipated demand can be met.
Donors of all blood groups are needed to help build stock but there are particularly high targets for the following blood groups to help build and adjust the blood mix:
- O+ (52% increase)
- O- (43% increase)
- B- (14% increase)
Ahead of the summer events additional appointments have been created and selected blood donor sessions have extended opening hours to give donors more flexibility to schedule a visit to their local session at a convenient time. People who haven’t donated before and may not know their blood type are also encouraged to help with the national stock-build effort by making an appointment now to donate for the first time.
Blood donations are a vital resource to help treat health conditions including cancer and long term illnesses, people involved in accidents and in maternity care. Hospitals across England and North Wales need 7,000 units of blood every day and each unit saves or improves the lives of three patients.
If you are eligible to donate or are thinking of donating for the first time please go to blood.co.uk or ring on 0300 123 23 23 and make an appointment now.