Give Blood England and Wales

An appeal is going out to O Rh negative (O-) and B Rh negative (B-) blood donors to come forward.

We would like to reassure everyone that blood stocks are not low and patient care has not been affected in any way.

Donors with blood group O Rh negative are typically known as the "universal donor" as their blood can be given to patients with a different blood group. This can prove vital in an emergency situation when there may not be time for an immediate blood grouping test to be carried out. Approximately 7% of the population have this blood group.

Donors with the blood group B Rh negative are more often found in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Only 2% of the population have this blood group and more donors of a BME origin are particularly needed.

To be potentially eligible to give blood you must be aged between 17 - 65, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for blood donation if you have donated in the last two years.

More about Blood Donation:

• NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England and North Wales. It is also the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
• 7,000 units of blood are needed each day to help save and improve the lives of sick and injured patients across England and North Wales.
• NHSBT collects approximately 2 million units of blood each year from 1.4 million blood donors.
• Only 4% of the eligible population are active blood donors.
• A unit of blood is measured as 470mls (or just under a pint).
• There are 4 main blood groups - O, A, B and AB. Group O is the most common and therefore the most in demand.

To find out more about becoming a blood donor or to book an appointment

• Choose a session by location or date http://www.blood.co.uk/giving-blood/where-can-i-go/
• Register as a donor https://secure.blood.co.uk/enrol.asp
• Please call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23