Supplies of blood in England drop to ‘unprecedentedly low levels’

The NHS has launched an appeal for people with O-type blood to come forward urgently and donate after blood stocks dropped to “unprecedently low” levels in England.

Officials said it follows a “perfect storm” of unfilled appointments at donor centres and increased demand following a recent cyber-attack affecting services in London.

O negative blood, known as the universal blood type, is safe for all patients.  It is used in emergencies or when the blood type of a patient is unknown.

Officials have also issued an amber alert asking hospitals to restrict the use of O-type blood to essential cases only, or use an alternative where safe to do so.

Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said the service had received an “incredible response” from donors following an earlier appeal last month.

“However, seven weeks on, the need for O negative blood in particular remains critical.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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