NHS officials have issued an urgent plea for blood donors to stop cancelling appointments in London, warning that stocks are “lower than we would like”.
O negative and B negative blood stocks in the capital have come “under pressure” ahead of the busy winter period, NHS Blood and Transplant said.
People who have registered as a donor but not yet made an appointment to give blood have also been urged to make their first donation.
More than 14,000 people who registered with Give Blood in 2023 have yet to make an appointment to donate, according to NHS figures.
Only 8 per cent of the population have O negative blood but it accounts for around 14 per cent of the blood hospitals need, so O negative donors are needed more than other types.
B negative is one of the rarest blood types as just 2 per cent of NHS blood donors have it.
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “O negative and B negative blood stocks are currently lower than we’d like so we’re encouraging our amazing donors in London to please come forward and help us prepare for the busy winter period.
“We understand people may have days out and holiday plans during the upcoming school half term holidays, but please don't forget your appointment if you have one.
“We also see an increase in appointment cancellations at this time of year due to seasonal illnesses, so we’re asking if donors can please give at least three days’ notice if they need to cancel so the place can be offered to another donor. Donor and staff safety is our priority so if you are under the weather, please rest, recover, and rebook.”
He added: “We are also urging people who have registered but not yet donated to make their first appointment now. If they don’t know their blood type, then they will find out after donating for the first time – they may have one of the types we need.
“It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives.”
Donor centres in Stratford, Shepherd’s Bush, Tooting and the West End all have “good appointment availability”, the NHS said.
A combined 1,975 spare appointments are available over the next seven days and hundreds more in the coming weeks.
Donors have also been urged to keep their appointment or give as much notice as possible if they need to cancel.
