The Crisis
The shortage is due to several factors, including a recent cyber attack on London hospitals, which has led to a surge in demand for O-type blood.
The increased demand combined with a drop in donations has meant blood stocks have fallen to critically low levels, and the NHS has had to issue the Amber Alert. As of the end of August 2024, the NHS has managed to improve blood stocks slightly, thanks to the public's response and temporary reduction in hospital blood usage. But these levels are still not enough as blood has a shelf life of only 35 days, so continuous donations are essential.
O-Type Blood
O-negative blood is critical as it is the universal blood type, meaning it can be given to any patient in an emergency when their blood type is unknown. It's particularly valuable in trauma care and emergency surgeries. O-positive blood is the most common blood type but is also in high demand as it can be given to anyone with a positive blood type, which is a large proportion of the population. The shortage of these blood types has put a lot of pressure on the NHS as they are the first to run low in a crisis.
Appeal for Young and Diverse Donors
The NHS is particularly keen for younger people to donate blood as the number of donors over 45 has overtaken those under 45. This is a concern as younger donors are key to maintaining a stable blood supply over time. The NHS is also making a special appeal to donors of Black heritage as they are essential for supporting patients with conditions like sickle cell disease, which affects people of African and Caribbean descent disproportionately. Despite this need, only a small percentage of active blood donors in the UK are Black, so there is a big gap to fill.
NHS Initiatives and Innovations
To address the shortage, the NHS has introduced several initiatives to encourage more people to donate. One of these is the use of home blood type testing kits. In a recent campaign, the NHS sent 36,000 kits to people who had registered as potential donors but had not yet donated.
These kits identify those with O-negative blood who are then given priority for donation appointments. This is part of a wider strategy to collect the right blood types, not just increase overall donations.
In addition to this the NHS has increased the number of appointments at its 25 fixed donor centres across England. Although these centres have been running at over 90% capacity since the Amber Alert was issued there is a big dip in bookings for September and October. Currently, only 40% of slots are booked for mid-September and that will drop even further by the end of October.
The NHS needs donors to fill these appointments to keep blood stocks safe as demand returns to normal.
If you haven't donated before, the NHS says every donation matters. Potential donors are encouraged to book appointments even if they are not due to donate for a few weeks, as blood is needed every day of the year. The NHS has made donating as easy as possible by extending the hours of donor centres and increasing the number of appointments.
Barriers to Donation
One of the challenges to blood donation is the myth that certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors automatically rule you out. While there are some restrictions, such as a history of certain cancers or heart conditions, many people who think they are not eligible to donate may still be able to. The NHS says if you're unsure about your eligibility, check the guidelines on their website or contact your local donor centre for more information
The NHS has also sorted out the logistical issues that previously stopped some people from donating. During the last amber alert in 2022, staffing shortages and the need to prioritise existing donors meant there were limited appointments for first-time donors. But the NHS has since stabilised blood stocks and increased the number of slots for new donors so it's easier to book an appointment.
Book an appointment
The current blood shortage in the UK shows just how important blood donors are to the NHS. Every donation can save multiple lives whether it's through emergency surgery, cancer treatment or managing conditions like sickle cell disease. The NHS is urging everyone who can donate to do so especially those with O negative and O positive blood types to book an appointment as soon as possible.
If you've already registered as a donor but haven't donated yet, now's the time to take that first step. The NHS has made donating easier, and your donation is critical to keeping blood stocks safe. Whether you're a regular donor or donating for the first time, your help will save lives.
Together we can make sure the NHS has the resources it needs to care for those in need. Visit the NHS Blood Donation website, download the GiveBloodNHS app or call the donation helpline (0300 123 23 23) to find out how you can help. Every donation counts and with your help we can overcome this and keep our communities healthy.
