The NHS has made an urgent appeal for people in Bristol to make an appointment to donate blood after stock levels have dropped. NHS Blood and Transplant has said stocks at the Bristol Donor Centre at Southmead Hospital have been affected by staff and donor absence due to illness.
There is also a drop in donations over the summer period when people are busy with holidays and events. The current stock levels in Bristol are considered to be vulnerable and could fall further without a rise in appointments.
The NHS public body has said the Bristol Donor Centre is only 51 per cent full for the week commencing July 4 and only around 40 per cent full the week after that.
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An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We currently have blood to meet demand but stocks have dropped and we need to stop them falling further - now. We urgently need more people to book appointments.
"If you are one of our amazing donors in Bristol, or you want to donate for the first time, please make and keep an appointment for the next few days or weeks. If you used to donate blood but haven’t done so in a while, please come back if you can – our fantastic team at Bristol Donor Centre will be delighted to welcome you. Every appointment counts.”
The lowest blood stock is for O positive, with national levels at around three days, while the NHS seeks to have six. Donors of this particular blood type are desperately needed, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative.
Demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic. Hospitals are continuing to receive all the blood they need but more donation appointments are now needed to ensure stocks do not fall further, NHS Blood and Transplant has said.
Each blood donation can save or improve up to three lives. Blood is used to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery.
NHS Blood and Transplant needs to collect 1.4 million units of blood each year to meet the needs of patients across England. It needs 135,000 new blood donors each year to replace those who stop donating and to ensure the NHS has the right mix of blood groups to match patient needs in the future.
Bristol has a permanent blood donor centre on Southmead Road. There are also mobile sessions available. Visit www.blood.co.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or download the NHS Give Blood app.
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