Ahead of National Blood Week (9th – 15th June) NHS Greater Manchester is urging anyone who is eligible in Greater Manchester to donate blood amid critically low levels of O Negative blood.
As well as the population as whole, NHS Greater Manchester is also urgently calling on the 511 existing donors with the vital O Negative blood type whose last donation was more than 12 months ago at a permanent Manchester donor centre to come forward to help.
Blood donations are vital to the whole of the NHS to help them save lives, but unfortunately, despite the hard work of donation teams, a combination of factors have meant this crucial blood type is under particular pressure.
Four bank holidays, the Easter holidays and half term break all falling within a six-week period have made maintaining steady stocks particularly challenging. Blood donations often drop over bank holiday weekends and holiday periods when people are busy and forget to donate.
O Negative blood
O Negative is the universal type that can be given safely given to anyone, making it a lifeline in emergencies. Just eight per cent of the population have O negative blood but it makes up around 16 per cent of transfusions in hospitals, as it’s often used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type isn’t known.
Hospitals across England need over 5,000 blood donations every day and NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 143,000 new donors a year, collecting 1.45 million units to ensure they have the right mix of blood groups to meet patient needs now and in the future. With the blood being used to treat critically ill patients, as well as those who have lost blood through an accident, cancer treatments, sickle cell, surgery or childbirth. But blood has a shelf life of only 35 days and platelets seven days, so it is vital that people keep donating to help keep up with demand.
Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester said: “Having a steady stream of donated blood is incredibly important to ensure that our hospitals across Greater Manchester keep caring for those who need it the most.
“Right now, O Negative donors in Greater Manchester have the power to relieve the pressure on this vital blood type.
“Even if you’re not sure what blood type you are it doesn’t matter because every donation helps and the team will be able to tell you once you have donated.
“We hope that by raising awareness of the current urgent need will encourage the people of Greater Manchester to come forward and donate blood if they’re able to this Blood Donation Week and the weeks ahead.”
How to donate blood
Donating a unit of blood takes one hour and can save up to three lives – with the registration process only taking around five minutes to complete. It doesn’t matter whether or not you know your blood type as the team will be able to tell you when you donate.
Book an appointment today online, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session. For more details about the donor centres in Manchester visit Manchester Norfolk House and Manchester Plymouth Grove.
Dr Manisha Kumar added: “The need for blood never stops and dedicated teams are working 24/7 365 days a year behind the scenes to make sure we have enough.
“We know that we can count on the Greater Manchester public to help us continue saving lives. So we urge everyone to register to donate blood today and book and appointment.
“The two permanent donor centres in Manchester have the best availability. But if you can’t find a local appointment straight away, please book a slot for a future date because there is never a day we don’t need more blood donations.”
Daily appointment availability for donor centres with more than 10 slots that day is now published each morning at donor centre appointment tracker to make it easier for donors to book an immediate appointment.
