The NHS is calling for an additional 200,000 blood donors in England to prevent a threat to public safety, as blood stocks remain critically low. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) aims to reach a target of one million regular donors, but currently only around 800,000 people – 2% of the population – are donating.
An amber alert was issued last year after a cyber-attack on London hospitals, and stocks have not recovered. Dr Jo Farrar, NHSBT's chief executive, warned that without more donors, a red alert – indicating a direct threat to patient safety – could be triggered. 'If we had a million regular donors, this would help keep our stocks healthy – you'd truly be one in a million,' she said.
There is a particular need for O-negative blood, the universal type used in emergencies, and for more black donors, who are more likely to have blood types that help treat sickle cell disease. Two-thirds of donated blood goes to patients with cancer, blood conditions, or those requiring regular transfusions.
Four-year-old Isaac Balmer, from Hull, relies on transfusions every 12 weeks for hereditary spherocytosis. His mother, Jasmin Suggit, described the difference donations make: 'He calls donor blood “Hulk blood” and imagines himself becoming stronger. It wouldn't be possible without the real-life superheroes who donate regularly.'
Health Minister Gillian Merron urged people to come forward, saying the government is working to make donating easier by opening new centres and offering appointments closer to home.
