UK days away from running out of blood as stocks plummet to critical levels
Why the UK is facing a critical blood shortage
- The UK faces a critical blood shortage, with O-negative reserves nearing depletion due to recent bank holidays impacting donations.
- NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) warns of a potential "red alert," the highest warning level, if donations don't increase, which would limit operations to prioritise blood for emergency procedures.
- Hospitals are down to less than three days' worth of O-negative blood, the universal blood type.
- NHSBT urges eligible donors, especially those with O blood types, to book appointments immediately.
- The combination of four bank holidays and half-term within six weeks significantly impacted blood supplies, alongside increased demand for O-type blood due to rising health conditions.