The NHS is facing a 'challenging' and 'critical' blood shortage, particularly for O negative blood, and is appealing for 200,000 new regular donors to increase the total from 800,000 to over one million. This appeal comes after an 'amber alert' was issued last year due to low stocks, exacerbated by unfilled appointments and a cyber-attack in London. Efforts are underway to make donation easier, with a specific need for more black donors to help treat sickle cell disease.
NHS calls for 200,000 new blood donors to maintain supply
Blood donationNHS
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The NHS is facing a 'challenging' and 'critical' blood shortage, particularly for O negative blood, and is appealing for 200,000 new regular donors to increase the total from 800,000 to over one million. This appeal comes after an 'amber alert' was issued last year due to low stocks, exacerbated by unfilled appointments and a cyber-attack in London. Efforts are underway to make donation easier, with a specific need for more black donors to help treat sickle cell disease.
Trending- 1 Last July (implied 2024): NHS issued an 'amber alert' for blood stocks.
- 2 2024: Number of people registering as donors rose, but only 24% donated.
- 3 Ongoing: Supplies have remained low since the amber alert.
- 4 Current: NHS calls for 200,000 new donors.
- Risk of 'red alert' (demand far exceeds capacity, threatening public safety)
- Impact on patient treatment (as seen during 'amber alert')
- Continued challenging blood stocks
- Urgent need for more donors (especially O negative and black donors)
What: The NHS (specifically NHS Blood and Transplant) is calling for 200,000 new blood donors to address a 'challenging' and 'critical' blood shortage, especially for O negative blood.
When: Ongoing, with the appeal coming almost a year after an 'amber alert' was issued last July (implied 2024). Number of registrations rose in 2024.
Where: England (NHS Blood and Transplant oversees England's system), London (affected by cyber-attack).
Why: To maintain a safe and reliable blood supply, avoid a 'red alert' (demand far exceeds capacity), and treat patients with conditions like cancer and sickle cell disease. Stocks have remained low since last year's 'amber alert,' caused by unfilled appointments and a cyber-attack.
How: NHSBT is appealing to the public for new donors, working to open new donor centres, and making appointments available closer to home.