NHS desperately seeks 200,000 more blood donors to avoid critical situation

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Blood stocks have been ‘challenging’ for the past year

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The NHS requires 200,000 more regular blood donors to maintain a safe and sufficient national blood supply, officials have announced.

In 2024, low blood stocks prompted an "amber alert", and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urging more people to donate to avoid a "red alert" – a critical situation where public safety is threatened.

NHS desperately seeks 200,000 more blood donors to avoid critical situation

Related reading

How you can save lives when applying for a new driving license

Hundreds with rare conditions to benefit from new blood matching test

Rise in sickle cell disease prompts NHS call for more Black blood donors

‘NHS would rather pay hospital bill than a jab’: Readers on Covid cuts

‘There were clear warnings’: Readers on the NHS ‘flunami’ crisis

The NHS must half waiting lists to meet the government 18-week target, experts…