NHS Blood and Transplant has triggered an “amber alert” as blood stock levels across the country have fallen to critical levels.
This means we may need to postpone some non-urgent elective surgeries to ensure blood is prioritised for patients who need it most.
Patients who are affected by the alert will be contacted directly by our hospitals.
We will continue to carry out any urgent, emergency or trauma surgery, cancer surgery, transplant surgery and blood transfusions to treat people with long term conditions.
What is an amber alert?
NHS Blood and Transplant aims to hold above six days of blood stocks; however, levels are currently predicted to fall below two days which is the threshold for an amber alert.
The amber alert will last initially for four weeks which should enable blood stocks to be rebuilt.
How you can help
NHSBT is urging donors to help by filling empty appointments at permanent donor centres in towns and cities which have extended hours and greater capacity. O blood groups are in particular need. Go to blood.co.uk (opens in a new tab) or use the blood app to check appointment availability (opens in a new tab). Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.