Jubilee led to fall in blood donations

The number of people giving blood dropped over the Jubilee weekend leading to national blood stocks falling by 7 per cent, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has warned.

National Blood Week kicks off today and the NHSBT is urging the public to become donors and join the 4 per cent of the population who currently give blood.

Past experience shows that even regular donors miss appointments during national events and celebrations as people become distracted and routines are disrupted – for example blood stocks fell by 20 per cent during the 2006 World Cup.

This year, NHSBT needs to build a 30 per cent increase in blood stock levels ahead of the Olympics as the number of people donating during the Games is likely to plummet.

During National Blood Week, additional appointments have been created and selected blood donor sessions have extended opening hours.