NHS issues Amber Alert for national blood shortage

The NHS has issued a national Amber Alert for O negative and O positive blood types due to critically low supplies. The alert, which urges O group donors to book and keep appointments at donor centres such as the Plymouth Donor Centre, comes in the wake of increased demand following a cyber attack on London hospitals and a high number of unfilled appointments.

Currently, national stocks of O negative blood are at just 1.6 days' worth, while overall blood stocks across all types stand at 4.3 days. The NHS Blood and Transplant service (NHSBT) reports a need for approximately 50,000 donations per week, with 12,000 appointments still available over the next two weeks, including 308 in Plymouth.

The Amber Alert, part of the NHS's blood stock business continuity plan, enables hospitals to implement emergency measures to minimise usage, vet the use of O type blood, and employ patient blood management systems to reduce reliance on these blood types. O negative blood, known as the universal blood type, is crucial for emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

The ongoing cyber incident affecting London hospitals has significantly impacted O negative supplies, with a 94% increase in demand since June. Additionally, summer poses challenges for blood donation due to holidays, travel, and public events.

NHSBT runs 235 mobile donation sessions weekly and operates 25 donor centres, including the Plymouth Donor Centre at Derriford Hospital. To meet the annual requirement of 1.5 million blood units, it is essential for appointments to be fully booked year-round.

Dr. Jo Farrar, NHSBT Chief Executive, emphasised the critical need for O group donors to come forward, stating: "We urgently need more O group donors in Plymouth to help boost stocks to treat patients needing treatment. The need for O negative blood remains critical."

NHSBT’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gail Miflin, highlighted the ongoing demand for blood donations, noting: "Three blood donations are needed every minute in hospitals to deal with emergencies, childbirth, and routine treatments. Blood only has a shelf life of 35 days, so the NHS needs blood all year round."

NHS National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis added: "We’re seeing increased demand for blood and shortages of stock, so it’s important that donors come forward for appointments."

To support this vital effort, individuals are encouraged to book an appointment to donate via the GiveBloodNHS app or the website www.blood.co.uk