Bad weather fuels appeal for blood donors

The public are being urged to come forward and donate blood, as stocks are suffering as a result of the bad weather.

With further snow and ice expected this week, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has called on people to help replenish stocks – particularly those with the blood group O negative.

Supplies of this group – which is particularly important, as it can be given safely to patients with other blood groups – have fallen below preferred levels.

Jon Latham, assistant director of blood donation at NHSBT, praised the "generosity and commitment" of donors and thanked those who have given blood in recent weeks.

He added: "With Christmas rapidly approaching and the holidays this year falling over a weekend, we would like to remind anyone due to donate to step forward now, weather permitting."

People need to be aged 17 to 65, weigh at least 50kg and be in general good health to give blood for the first time.