The NHS is urging Londoners to give blood as figures reveal that demand from hospitals exceeded collections by almost 3,000 units over Christmas.
In the last week of December demand for O negative blood – used to save lives in emergencies – exceeded collections by more than 900 units, according to the data.
Currently, the country remains on an Amber alert for low blood stocks.
The seven London Donor Centres in Brixton, Tooting, Edgware, Stratford, Shepherds Bush, West End and Twickenham have a combined total of almost 26,000 appointments still available over the next six weeks.
Donors are being asked to make an appointment to donate if they don’t already have one.
People with O negative, B negative and Ro blood types are particularly needed in the coming weeks.
The NHS is also calling for more donors of Black heritage to help patients with sickle cell who need ethnically matched blood.
First time donors who don’t know their blood type will find out after their first successful donation.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “New Year is a time when lots of people make resolutions. Make giving blood your resolution for 2025 and you will save up to three lives every time you donate.
“The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round, so we are asking people to help us maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals this year by booking an appointment now.
“Giving blood is quick and easy – the whole process takes just one hour. Book an appointment today and save lives this year.”
To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
(Picture: Pixabay/Ahmad Ardity)