NHS Blood and Transplant has 1.6 days’ worth of O negative blood and overall national supplies across all blood types is 4.3 days The public has been urged to donate and hospitals have been told to restrict the use of O type blood. O negative donors are often called “universal donors” because they can donate red blood cells to anyone of any blood type.
after the Russian Qilin gang targeted the pathology firm Synnovis, which meant they were unable to match patients’ blood at the same frequency as usual. Donations typically drop during the summer as people go on holiday, while changeable weather and hot days can mean some people are unable to donate because of a lack of hydration or lower iron levels in their blood, the NHS said.
“Last month we saw an incredible response from donors who answered our call and filled up our centres, helping us meet the increased demands for blood throughout June. However, seven weeks on, the need for O negative blood in particular remains critical.”