In a determination to save millions of lives, a health organisation in the United Kingdom (UK) has raised concern over the risk of running out of blood in its bank within a few days, as many hospitals’ blood reserves run low, signalling a critical level.
In response, the body responsible for donations, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), is left with no option but may activate a red alert, signalling urgency as hospitals are left with a maximum of three days to restock their blood banks, especially O-negative blood.
Looking at the immediate concern, in a notice shared on a Wednesday, the health organisation urged blood donors to book appointments by visiting the nearest centre to avert the implications that come with the shortage.
Read Also: Cancer in Nigeria: Where survival comes at cost
According to The Independent publication, NHSBT said: “Regrettably, despite active hospital support and the work of our donation teams, our stock of O D negative red cells is reducing, and we have some concern that, without increased intervention, we are at risk of having to declare a Red Alert.”
Describing the situation, NHSBT said the outcome would lead to “severe and prolonged shortages,” leaving hospitals with dire consequences and under pressure to limit their operations.
The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) service has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors, particularly those with O-negative blood, after stocks dropped below safe levels. The decline follows four closely spaced bank holidays between April and May, a period when donations typically fall.
NHSBT aims to maintain a six-day stock of all red blood cell types, but current supplies for several, including the universal O-negative type, are critically low. The organisation emphasized the need for immediate action, stating:
“We urgently need more appointments to be booked and attended to help boost stocks and maintain supply to hospitals.”
Earlier in May, NHSBT called on the public to fill 50,000 donation appointments to avert worsening shortages. Hospitals across the UK require more than 5,000 blood donations every day to meet patient needs.
O blood group stocks have remained at “amber” alert status for the past year, with warnings in October that a shift to “red alert” was imminent without increased donations.
Those eligible to donate are encouraged to book an appointment via www.blood.co.uk or by calling 03001232323.
