The Twickenham Plasma Donor Centre is calling for blood donors following an amber alert for low stocks.
NHS Blood and Transport urgently needs donors in Twickenham, especially those with O negative blood, to help sustain supply.
There are around 700 appointments for blood donors a week at the Plasma Donor Centre on London Road, which urgently need to be filled to maintain their levels.
Twickenham Plasma Operations Manager Pamela Antoinette said: “Please book and keep an appointment to donate.
“Giving blood is quick and easy, and you will save lives.
“Please help the NHS at this crucial time.”
Over the next two weeks, only one in three slots are booked already and the fill rate is expected to drop off even further as winter approaches.
O negative blood is in demand from either new or existing donors because it can be given to anyone and is vital in emergencies.
There is also a particular need for young donors and more donors of Black heritage to treat patients with sickle cell.
Antoinette said there are thousands of available appointments, including ones in evenings and on weekends, so does not have to interrupt the working day.
Appointments are available to book until Christmas.
The NHS triggered the amber alert for type O blood on July 24 following an increased hospital demand.
This was due to a combination of the cyber-attack on London hospitals in June and reduced blood collections due to high levels of unfulfilled appointments at the donor centres.
This caused the stocks to drop to unprecedently low levels.
There has been a good response to the alert, but the stocks need to be constantly replenished in order that this does not happen again.
The community blood donations session in the Twickenham are continuing as usual.
To register to donate and to book an appointment, you can use the GiveBlood app, call 03001232323 or visit the website.
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