Manchester blood donors needed urgently as stocks fall amid 'donor and staff absences'

Blood donors in Manchester are being called on to fill empty appointment slots at the city's donor centres as stock levels fall. Blood stocks have been hit by staff and donor absence due to illness and the drop in donations over summer when people are busy with holidays and events.

NHS bosses have stressed that hospitals are continuing to receive enough blood but have warned a rise in appointments is needed to prevent stocks falling further. Manchester has two blood donor centres, Plymouth Grove and Norfolk House.

Both are among the lowest filled centres across the country for the coming weeks. Combined, the two venues are only 57pc full for next week and only around 40pc full the week after. As a result, donors in the city are being urged to book an appointment.

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The lowest blood stock is for O positive, with national levels at around three days, while the NHS seeks to have six. Donors with this type are in particular demand, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative.

The NHS says demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic. Each blood donation can save or improve up to three lives. Blood is used to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We currently have blood to meet demand but stocks have dropped and we need to stop them falling further - now. We urgently need more people to book appointments.

“If you are one of our amazing donors in Manchester, or you want to donate for the first time, please make and keep an appointment for