The NHS says a combination of high recent demand and a shortage of regular B negative donors has left stocks under significant pressure across London, reports Liedson Moreno Gomes
Residents in Waltham Forest with B negative blood are being urged to book a donation appointment as the NHS warns supplies of the rare blood type have fallen to worrying levels.
The NHS says a combination of high recent demand and a shortage of regular B negative donors has left stocks under significant pressure across London.
NHS Blood and Transplant is contacting all B negative donors asking them to book in to donate.
Alternatively, they can just walk in for an appointment at one of the permanent donor centres in the West End, Brixton, Edgware, Shepherd’s Bush, Tooting or Twickenham.
There are 2,043 appointments still available this week at these donor centres. In contrast there are only 1,138 existing B negative donors in the capital currently without an appointment who could fill these slots.
Only around 2% of the UK population has B negative blood, making it one of the rarest blood types. That rarity means hospitals depend on a small number of regular donors to keep supplies stable.
Patients with B negative blood can only receive B negative or O negative blood. As a result, when B negative stocks fall, it can also increase pressure on O negative supplies — the universal blood type often used in emergencies.
New donors who already know they are B negative can now add their blood type when they register, allowing them also to be prioritised.
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply in the NHS, said: “B negative donors are immensely important to our lifesaving work, but as this blood type is only found in two percent of the population, it can be a challenge to always collect enough.
“Right now, B negative stocks are at risk of running low. With this blood type, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units, can put significant extra pressure on supplies.
“We are calling on existing B negative donors to come forward and donate, and more people with this blood type to become regular donors and help secure the lifesaving supply of blood to patients in the months and years ahead.
“If you are a B negative donor and can’t find an appointment near you, please call us and we will do what we can to make one available for you. If you have never given blood before and believe you are B negative please sign up and book an appointment today.”
Book an appointment today at www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23
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