Plea for blood donors (From Gazette & Herald)

Plea for blood donors

12:23pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News

AN urgent appeal has gone out to people with the blood group O rhesus negative to help supplement dwindling supplies.

Donor sessions have been hit by norovirus outbreaks and a high demand during the festive holiday period.

Jon Latham, assistant director of marketing for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We would like to urge all O-donors to go to their most convenient donor session to give blood to help rebuild stock levels. We are always grateful to donors who respond to calls such as this.”

Donors with blood group O-negative are commonly 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 where there may not be time for blood group testing.

For information, to book an appointment or to find a local donor session phone 0300 1232323 or visit www.blood.co.uk