NHS Scotland has issued its first-ever amber alert as blood stocks drop to "unprecedented low levels," prompting an urgent call for donors to book appointments.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) informed hospitals across Scotland that the alert was put in place at 9am on Tuesday, November 10. This marks the first time an amber alert has been issued in Scotland.
Reasons Behind the Alert
The alert follows a shortage of blood donors and an increase in the use of Group O blood over recent months. Sessions have also been disrupted due to staffing issues and bad weather.
In a Facebook post, NHS 24 wrote: "The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has written to hospitals across Scotland to issue an ‘Amber Alert.’ This is due to a national blood shortage. There is specific pressure on group O blood stock levels and a national shortage of blood donors."
"All donors, but particularly O negative and O positive donors, are asked to urgently book and fill appointments across Scotland in the coming days, weeks and months."
Impact on Hospitals
Under the alert, hospitals will only be able to use Type O blood when essential and will need to maximise the use of alternatives for transfusions where possible.
The SNBTS aims to retain a five to seven day supply of all blood groups, but Group O blood has fallen below two days on several occasions recently. Only 85 per cent of donor appointments are filled on average each week.
Dr Lorna McLintock, medical director at SNBTS, said: "To supply hospitals with the 135,000 units of blood they need each year to treat patients, appointments need to be fully booked all year round."
"The winter months can be particularly challenging due to the weather, illness and people enjoying the holiday season. Blood donors are asked to book appointments over the coming days, weeks and months in order to maintain Scotland’s blood stocks."
How and Where to Donate
Scots can book to donate blood through the ScotBlood website or by calling 0345 90 90 999. Donations are made at one of the five permanent blood donor centres in Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
Donor days also take place throughout Scotland over the year, with dates and locations available on the ScotBlood website. For example, a session in Glasgow is scheduled for Friday, November 20 at The Albany Learning Centre on Ashley Street Woodlands.
Eligibility Criteria
People can give blood from their 17th birthday, with new donors able to sign up until they are 66. Those who have given before can do so until their 72nd birthday. Donors must weigh over 7 stone 12lb (50kg).
Donors should be in good health on the day. Those with a cold must wait until they feel better, while a two-week recovery period is needed after mumps, measles, chickenpox or shingles.
Blood donation is not permitted for those who are HIV positive or receiving treatment for HIV, HTLV positive, or carriers of Hepatitis B or C. It is also barred for those ever treated for Syphilis, those who have ever injected illicit drugs, and those who have had sex with someone with a viral haemorrhagic fever. Pregnant women and those who received a blood transfusion since January 1, 1980, are also ineligible.
Those on weight loss injections can donate if prescribed in the UK, equipment isn't shared, and no adverse side effects like severe nausea or vomiting are present. More information is available on the ScotBlood website, including a quiz to check eligibility.
