Bank holidays putting strain on blood donations

People with O negative, O positive, A positive and RO blood types have been urged to come forward

The NHS in the West Midlands has issued a "critical" appeal for people to give blood as donations dip over the bank holiday period.

People with O negative, O positive, A positive and RO blood types are particularly needed over the coming weeks.

Three thousand blood donor appointments are still available to be filled at the Birmingham Donor Centre, on New Street, the NHS said.

The appeal said there also remained an ongoing need for more donors of black heritage to help patients with sickle cell disease who need ethnically matched blood.

Four bank holidays in just six weeks could push supply to critical levels, said the body's Blood and Transplant department.

A spokesperson said: "Blood donations often drop over bank holiday weekends, and with Easter falling late this year, four bank holidays in just six weeks have placed increased pressure on blood stocks."

England currently remains in Amber alert for low stocks of O negative and O positive blood.

"The need for blood never stops," said Gerry Gogarty, director of Blood Supply at NHS Blood and Transplant. "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated so far this year, but we must act now to avoid falling behind.

Blood has a shelf life of 35 days, and platelets only seven days, so it is vital stocks are constantly replenished, the organisation said.