December saw the highest number of cancelled appointments of winter so far - this January will see 'the annual low point' of blood stocks, the NHS is warning
The NHS has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations in Greater Manchester as appointments fall empty amid rising cold and flu cases.
This January, the appeal follows a higher than usual number of cancellations by donors due to seasonal illnesses and holiday disruptions, as well as a rise in demand for O negative blood from hospitals. This is affecting the NHS’ ability to collect enough of the right blood types. Supplies of O and B negative blood are under pressure and urgently need to be rebuilt.
There are 763 available appointments at Manchester Norfolk House donor centre over the next four weeks, the NHS has said, though potential donors are asked check locally to see if there are any appointments available at short notice at Manchester Plymouth Grove donor centre too. If needed, the NHS says it will swap out other appointments to prioritise booking in donors with these two most needed blood types.
As well as seasonal illnesses affecting how much blood the NHS can collect, hospitals are ordering more O negative blood than expected, according to the NHSBT. Around 740 more units of O negative blood were issued to hospitals in the past two weeks. This is 'putting pressure on blood stocks, which is why donors are being asked to stick to their appointment and O and B negative donors to book urgently to help build stocks', confirmed the NHSBT.
"To help make access to donating easier at the Manchester Norfolk House Donor Centre in the city centre on Brown Street, Manchester, M2 1DA, there is nearby parking available at Selfridges Car Park, No. 1 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 1AZ and Arndale Car Park, High Street, Manchester, M4 1AZ. “We are seeing higher than usual cancellations by donors due to seasonal illnesses and holiday disruption. If you are fit and well, please keep your appointment to help us build stocks.
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