NHS issues urgent call for 200,000 blood donors to avoid critical emergency as stocks run low
THE NHS has issued an urgent plea for 200,000 blood donors to come forward to replenish dwindling stocks and help prevent a critical emergency.
Officials warned more must be done to avoid a "red alert" - where blood stocks are so low that there is a threat to public safety.
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The NHS needs over one million regular blood donors to maintain its blood supply, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said - this works out to about 5,000 donations every day.
But it revealed there's an annual shortfall of over 200,000 donors as demand for blood supply surges.
NHSBT issued an "amber alert" in July last year, after a cyber attack on London hospitals triggered a severe shortage of O negative blood.
The alert has been in place ever since as blood stocks have remained low, making it country’s longest ever running "amber alert".
Following several bank holidays, officials warned of a looming "red alert" unless more people come forward.
This can be avoided if more donors come forward to fill available appointment slots, particularly in donor centres towns and cities.
NHSBT said there is currently a "critical" need for more donors who have the so-called universal blood type - O negative blood - which is needed for treatment in emergencies.
More black donors are also needed, as they are more likely to have a specific blood type called Ro that can help treat people with sickle cell disease, the country’s fastest growing genetic blood disorder.
Chief executive of NHSBT, Dr Jo Farrar, said: “Our stocks over the past 12 months have been challenging. If we had a million regular donors, this would help keep our stocks healthy – you'd truly be one in a million.
“Please book an appointment today, experience how good it feels to save lives, and come and do it again in a few months.”
Dr Farrar added: “There are many thousands of people who donate regularly and help us keep patients alive. Thank you. You are amazing.
"You keep the NHS going and save and transform thousands of lives a year."
Over the past year, England has seen an increased wave of blood donation registrations.
But only one in four of them (24 per cent) have gone on to donate.
DONATING blood can be an amazing gift to people who desperately need it for on-going medical treatment or in an emergency.
But who exactly is eligible to provide a donation? Here is all you need to know...
Who can give blood?
Most people are eligible to give blood.
You can donate if you are:
- fit and healthy
- weigh more than 7st 12lbs or 50kg
- are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before)
- are over 70 and have given blood in the last two years
Men can donate more often than women can.
How often can I give blood?
Men can give blood every 12 weeks, while women can donate every 16 weeks.
This is because it takes several weeks for all the red blood cells to be replaced in the body.
Over 6,000 people are needed to donate each day to meet the needs of hospitals, and there is a drive for black donors to donate to help black patients with sickle cell disease.
To make an appointment to donate your blood at the nearest centre, click here.
What happens when you give blood?
Appointments to give blood typically last no longer than an hour.
1. Welcome and preparation
You will be given a leaflet to read and 500ml of fluid to drink just before you give blood. You'll be asked to drink it over a five-minute period to help ensure you don't feel faint or nauseous after donating.
2. Health screening
NHS staff will make sure it is safe for you to donate, and that your blood is safe for a patient to receive.
3. Giving blood
Once you are comfortable in a chair, staff examine your arm to find a suitable vein and clean it with antiseptic.
A needle will then be inserted into your arm, which will be used to collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique donor number.
You shouldn't feel any discomfort or pain.
If you do, tell a member of staff.
A scale is then used to weigh the blood you have donated, and stops when you've given 470ml.
This usually takes between five and ten minutes.
The needle is then removed and a dressing is put on your arm.
Director of Blood Supply, Gerry Gogarty, said: “We offer around 50,000 appointments in 27 NHS donor centres and 250 community venues every week.
"We need to fill those appointments to supply the NHS with enough blood. Sadly, we are struggling to fill all the available slots.
“We know people want to donate – we’ve seen record registrations over the past year. Making it easier to donate is our priority so we are opening new donor centres and looking at how we can increase appointments close to where people live.
“Blood stocks are critically low and there’s a pressing need to avoid a "red red". We can do this if we fill the available appointment slots – particularly in town and city centres.
"That could have a severe impact on the NHS with non-urgent services potentially being paused to focus on the most critical needs."
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Two thirds of all the blood currently collected is used to treat patients who rely on blood transfusions, including cancer and life-long blood conditions.
Four-year-old Isaac from Hull relies on regular blood donations, as he was born with hereditary spherocytosis.
This is a genetic blood condition which causes red blood cells to break down faster than normal, leading to severe anaemia and other complications.
Isaac needs blood transfusions every 12 weeks to stay healthy.
His mum, Jasmin said: "It's been a rollercoaster; Isaac's haemoglobin levels fluctuate, and when they drop significantly, he becomes lethargic and jaundiced.
"But when he receives his transfusion, you see the colour return to his cheeks, and his energy levels soar before our eyes. It is incredible."
Isaac still enjoys attending nursery, playing with friends and dressing up as his favourite superheroes, and says he is like the superhero Hulk, gaining strength with each transfusion.
Jasmin added: "During his transfusions, he refers to donor blood as ‘Hulk blood' and imagines himself becoming stronger and healthier.
"But this wouldn’t be possible without the real life, everyday superheroes who keep Isaac and others like him alive, thanks to their regular blood donations.
"Until you're one of those who need blood yourself or know someone who does, it may not always be a priority.
"But Isaac's journey has put things into perspective. Isaac's journey has inspired me to become a blood donor myself.
"It's a small act that can make a big difference in someone's life."
Gerry called on people living in towns and cities to visit donor centres to donate blood and book daytime slots if possible.
“If you live or work near one of our 27 donor centres, please come and give blood this National Blood Week (June 9 to 15).
"If you already donate, why not bring a friend or family member. We need blood all year round and every day.
"Men can donate every three months and women every four months. So please donate regularly.”
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