Adobe StockAn amber alert has come into force at hospitals across Scotland after blood stocks dropped to “unprecedented levels”.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) wrote to hospitals last week to advise of the warning, which came into effect from 9am on Tuesday.
In the coming weeks, staff will be urged to only use Type O blood when essential and to maximise use of alternatives to transfusions where possible.
SNBTS says it aims to retain five to seven days’ supply across all blood groups, but stocks have consistently fallen below this target for several weeks.
Group O, in particular, has fallen below two days on several occasions.
The alert will initially remain in place for four to six weeks, but will be kept under review.
As well as issuing the amber alert, SNBTS is urging all blood donors to book and attend appointments across the country.
Donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness have seen a drop in numbers in the past few months, with around 85% of appointments being filled on average.
With around 2% of the eligible population giving blood, those aged 17 and over who are in good health are also encouraged to register as donors.
Dr Lorna McLintock, medical director at SNBTS said: “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.”
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