The NHS is urgently calling on people with specific blood types to donate as hospitals prepare for increased demand during the winter season. There is a high need for donations of O negative—the universal blood type—B negative, and the Ro subtype, which is commonly found among individuals of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage.
Winter challenges such as severe weather, seasonal illnesses, and busy schedules often lead to missed blood donation appointments. At the same time, hospitals see a rise in demand for blood, putting pressure on vital blood reserves. This situation is particularly concerning for O negative blood, which is crucial for emergency treatments, and B negative, a rare blood type found in only 2% of the population.
NHS Blood and Transplant along with NHS England have opened 136,000 donation appointments over the next eight weeks to increase blood stocks before the peak winter period. They specifically need 10,000 additional O negative donors to help meet urgent hospital needs for emergency situations, including childbirth complications and accident victims.
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O negative blood is the only type that can be given to any patient in emergencies and is carried by ambulances and air ambulances for immediate use at accident scenes. Though only 8% of the population carries O negative blood, it accounts for more than 16% of all blood used in hospitals.
There is also a pressing need for more Ro blood, a subtype particularly important for patients needing regular transfusions or full blood exchanges. When Ro blood is in short supply, O negative and B negative types are used as substitutes, increasing demand for these critical groups.
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, emphasized the urgent need for donors: “We are appealing to donors with O negative, B negative, and Ro blood types to book their appointments now. Donating blood takes only about an hour and can save up to three lives. New donors are especially encouraged to visit our donor centres.”
There are 28 donor centres located across major towns and cities, including the Birmingham blood donor centre at 65 New Street, second floor. Donors can also find appointments at mobile sessions nationwide. Priority appointment access is given to existing donors with the needed blood types who may find it difficult to secure slots.
Hospitals in England require more than 5,000 blood donations daily to support patients with traumatic injuries, cancer treatments, sickle cell disease, childbirth, and scheduled surgeries. Donors can book appointments via www.blood.co.uk, the GiveBlood app, or by calling 0300 123 23 23.