RESIDENTS with B negative blood type are being called on to donate as supplies are running low.
The NHS is urging people with this blood type to come forward as a combination of low numbers of existing B negative donors and recent high demand for B negative blood has left stocks under pressure.
NHS Blood and Transplant is contacting all B negative donors asking them to book in to donate.
The NHS needs more people in Birmingham with B negative blood to step forward to help bridge the gap and boost the overall total number of donors with this blood type.
Currently fewer than 20,000 people with B negative blood in England donate regularly.
Only two percent of the population have B negative blood, making it one of the least common types.
And patients with the B negative blood type can only receive B negative or O negative blood, meaning that low stocks of B negative can also impact emergency O negative supplies.
Those with B negative blood are also asked to encourage family members to register and book an appointment to donate as they are 30 percent more likely to have this blood type than the general population.
New donors who already know they are B negative can now add their blood type when they register, allowing them also to be prioritised.
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply, said: “B negative donors are immensely important to our lifesaving work, but as this blood type is only found in two percent of the population, it can be a challenge to always collect enough.
“Right now, B negative stocks are at risk of running low. With this blood type, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units, can put significant extra pressure on supplies.
“We are calling on existing B negative donors to come forward and donate, and more people with this blood type to become regular donors and help secure the lifesaving supply of blood to patients in the months and years ahead.
“If you are a B negative donor and can’t find an appointment near you, please call us and we will do what we can to make one available for you. If you have never given blood before and believe you are B negative please sign up and book an appointment today.”
To book an appointment click here, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
