Urgent plea for O negative blood donors

The NHS has warned that supplies of O negative blood in the West Midlands are "critically low", as it urges people to donate.

NHS Blood and Transplant has revealed there are 4,033 donors in the region with the O negative blood type whose last donation was more than 12 months ago.

It is calling on these donors to come forward urgently to help the NHS rebuild supplies, after a combination of factors have left this blood type under particular pressure.

England remains on amber alert for low stocks of O type blood.

The NHS said four bank holidays, the Easter holidays and half-term break all falling within a six-week period had made maintaining steady stocks particularly challenging.

Blood donations often drop over bank holiday weekends and holiday periods when people are busy and forget to donate.

Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Our 'missing' O negative donors in the West Midlands have the power to relieve the pressure on supplies of this vital blood type.

"If you are O negative and haven't given blood in a while, please book an appointment to donate today. Don't hesitate - patients need you now.

"Our donor centres like the one in Birmingham's New Street generally have the best availability. If you can't find an appointment straight away please book further ahead or keep checking back to help fill last minute appointments or cancellations. Every donation makes a critical difference."

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