Blood donors called on to help boost Type O stocks in Scotland
Scots are being urged to book an appointment to give blood over the coming weeks, as the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) works to boost supplies, with a particular need for Type O blood.
There are eight different blood groups, and donated blood has a shelf life of only 35 days. This means supplies must be constantly replenished. Around half of the Scottish population – roughly 2.7 million people – have Type O blood, and SNBTS needs approximately 1,950 Type O donations every week to keep hospitals across the country supplied. However, stocks are currently lower than the service would like, and they are appealing to regular donors and first-timers alike.
Type O is always in demand
– Debbie McNaughton
Debbie McNaughton, SNBTS Associate Director Donor and Transport Services, says, “Type O is always in demand. O negative can be given to patients of any blood type, making it invaluable in emergencies. However, O positive is the most common group in the population, and is therefore needed by more patients than any other. This makes it essential to keep type O stock at safe levels.”
SNBTS is especially keen to hear from younger people who haven’t given blood before, as well as donors who have not donated for a while. Donors are encouraged to ask a friend, colleague, or clubmate to book in with them, turning a donation into a shared outing, and helping the active donor base grow.
Debbie continues, “Giving blood only takes about an hour from start to finish, but it can save up to three lives – that’s a remarkable reward for such a small amount of your time. Whether you’ve given before or you’ve simply never got round to it, now is the moment we need you most. Book in with a friend, your workmates, your whole five-a-side team – the more of you who give together, the further it goes. Book online at www.scotblood.co.uk or call us on 0345 90 90 999, Monday to Friday, and help us keep Scotland’s blood stocks where they need to be.”
To support Scotland’s patients and help save lives, book an appointment today:
- Visit www.scotblood.co.uk
- Email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot
- Call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)