Bristol blood donors asked to help during challenging time

O negative and B negative blood donors are being asked to help the NHS prepare for the challenging winter period by booking appointments.

O negative and B negative stocks have come under pressure in Bristol.

Bristol Donor Centre in Southmead Road said it had 382 spare appointments over the next seven days.

Donors are being asked to keep their appointments or give as much notice as possible if they need to cancel.

Mark Chambers, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "O negative and B negative blood stocks are currently lower than we'd like so we're encouraging our amazing donors in Bristol to please come forward and help us prepare for the busy winter period.

"We understand people may have days out and holiday plans during the upcoming school half term holidays, but please don't forget your appointment if you have one.

"It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives."

People who have registered as a donor but not yet made an appointment to give blood are also encouraged to take that next step and make their first donation, and they will find out their blood type when they do.

In Bristol, 1,100 people who registered with Give Blood in 2023 had yet to make an appointment to donate.

Blood is needed to help the NHS treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery, and O negative blood is mostly used for emergency care.

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