We urgently need people to give blood, with red cell stocks lower than we would want.
In addition, group A platelets are vulnerable to peaks in demand or drops in collection.
We are currently able to supply to orders, with some need for substitution, and will remain at pre-Amber alert until at least 5 January 2023.
We are NOT asking you to implement your Emergency Blood Management Arrangements at this stage.
We ask for your continued support in: Optimising stock levels in accordance with the Blood Stocks Management Scheme stock level guidance (new red cell guidance issued in August); Implementing the actions in the National Blood Transfusion Committee’s shortage plans; Ensuring best transfusion practice is implemented and maintained, in accordance with NICE Blood Transfusion Quality Standard, including: use of tranexamic acid prior to major surgery; appropriate treatment of iron deficiency anaemia with oral or intravenous iron; single unit red cell transfusions if not actively bleeding or on a transfusion programme; Accepting substitutions, for example, take a proportion of A D negative red cells instead of A D positive.
We have capacity in some of our donor sessions now. You can check local appointment availability on our Blood donor appeal page or via the NHSGiveBlood app.
If you need any support or guidance, please contact your Hospital Customer Service Manager or Patient Blood Management Practitioner.
