Appeal for blood donors to ensure supply for hospitals over public holidays

Blood donors are urged to fill available appointments over Easter and into April and May, to ensure there is a supply of blood for hospitals over the public holidays.

“Blood stocks are more likely to drop around public holidays like Easter and May Bank Holidays when people take leave from work, go on holiday or enjoy days out and don’t donate,” says the NHS.

Donating blood during these coming weeks will help keep blood stocks stable over this Bank holiday period.

“If donors need to cancel, they are asked to please give as much notice as possible so someone else can take the slot,” the NHS says.

“Right now there is a particular need for donors with O negative blood type, used for patients receiving emergency transfusions, though all types remain in demand.”

Blood is needed to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.

Existing donors who are eligible to donate are being urged to make and keep an appointment at one of London’s donor centres, including the Donor Centre at 26 Margaret Street in Fitzrovia.

There are currently a combined 4,225 spare slots across London over the next fortnight and many more in the coming weeks.

Donors can register now and book an appointment at www.blood.co.uk, on the GiveBloodNHS app or call 0300 123 23 23.