The NHS has issued an urgent plea to track down thousands of 'missing' blood donors across the North West as they warn supplies of O negative are critically low.

NHS Blood and Transplant has revealed there are 5,463 donors in the region with the vital 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 in England rebuild supplies after a combination of factors have left this crucial blood type under particular pressure.

Four bank holidays, the Easter holidays and half term break all falling within a six-week period have 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.

England remains in Amber alert for low stocks of O type blood and it is critical that enough donors come forward now to stabilise supplies and ensure patients receive the treatments they need.

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Our 'missing' O negative donors in the North West 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 fixed donor centres 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."

While community donation sessions across the North West are generally well filled, the donor centres in Liverpool, Lancaster and Manchester have good availability. Donors are especially needed to fill slots during the quieter weekday morning and afternoon sessions.

Daily appointment availability for donor centres with more than 10 slots that day is now published each morning at donor centre appointment tracker to make it easier for donors to book an immediate appointment.

O negative is the universal type that can be given safely given to anyone, making it a lifeline in emergencies. Just eight per cent of the population have O negative blood but it makes up around 16 per cent of hospital orders.

Hospitals across England need more than 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients for a wide variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries or accidents, cancer treatments, sickle cell and childbirth. However, blood has a shelf life of 35 days so it is vital stocks are constantly replenished.

Donating a unit of blood takes just an hour and each donation can save up to three lives. Men can give blood every three months and women every four months.

Book an appointment here use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.

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