Blood stocks in Scotland have dropped to unprecedented low levels, attributed to a shortage of donors and an increased use of Group O blood in recent months. Disruptions to donation sessions caused by staffing issues and adverse weather have also contributed to the situation.
The SNBTS has alerted hospitals nationwide, requesting that Type O blood be reserved for essential use only and that alternatives to transfusion be maximised. Stocks have been consistently below the target of 5-7 days supply for several weeks, with Group O blood falling to below 2 days on multiple occasions.
Donors, especially those with O negative and O positive blood types, are being asked to book and attend appointments across Scotland in the coming days, weeks, and months. Appointments are available until the New Year and can be booked via scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999. Approximately 3,385 appointments need to be filled each week.
Donor centres in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Inverness have experienced a decline in donor numbers for several months, with only 85% of appointments being filled on average, exacerbating the shortage. This is the first 'Amber Alert' of its kind in Scotland and is part of NHS Scotland’s business continuity plan for blood stocks.
The alert, initially set for 4-6 weeks, will be closely monitored. It prompts hospitals to implement emergency measures to minimise blood usage, assign staff to vet all O type blood usage, and employ patient blood management strategies. Urgent surgeries, including cancer and trauma procedures, will continue, as will blood transfusions for long-term conditions.
The SNBTS has observed a decline in new donors over several years, with only about 2% of the eligible population currently donating. This sustained shortage has prompted an appeal for all individuals aged 17 and over, in good health, to register as blood donors.
“"To supply hospitals with the 135,000 units of blood they need each year to treat patients, appointments need to be fully booked all year round. The winter months can be particularly challenging due to the weather, illness and people enjoying the holiday season. Blood donors are asked to book appointments over the coming days, weeks and months in order to maintain Scotland’s blood stocks."
