NHS blood stocks at risk as spring Bank Holidays cause donor shortage in Manchester

Saturday, 10 May 2025 00:48

By David Murphy

NHS Blood and Transplant has launched an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donors across Greater Manchester, warning that four Bank Holidays in six weeks have put pressure on supplies.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is calling on donors to urgently fill over 50,000 blood donation appointments in England, with more than 4,400 of those available at Manchester’s two donor centres, amid fears of a ‘spring slump’ in donations.

The plea comes as a combination of Easter and May Bank Holidays, four in total across just six weeks, threaten to leave hospitals short of critical blood stocks.

Current shortages include O negative, O positive, A positive and the rare Ro blood type. The NHS has been on Amber alert for O blood groups for several weeks, and urgent donations are needed to avoid critical levels.

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated so far this year, but we must act now to avoid falling behind. Each donation has the power to save up to three lives.”

“The need for blood never stops. To avoid facing a 'spring slump' in donations, we urgently need donors to book an appointment today, and help us fill appointments over the weeks ahead.”

NHSBT says blood donations tend to drop during holidays, as regular donors travel or take time off. With schools also breaking for half term, fewer people are expected to visit donor centres.

The service is especially encouraging people with the most in-demand blood types, and donors from Black heritage backgrounds, to come forward, the latter vital to help patients with conditions like sickle cell who require more ethnically matched blood.

Donor centres in Manchester, Norfolk House and Plymouth Grove, have significant daytime appointment availability. New donors are also encouraged to register and book their first sessions.

Blood has a shelf life of just 35 days, while platelets must be used within seven days, making regular and consistent donations essential.

Over 5,000 blood donations are needed every day in England to support a wide range of medical treatments, from accidents and surgeries to cancer care and maternity needs.

Booking is quick and easy. Donors can visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to find the nearest available appointment.