Amber alert issued to hospitals as blood stocks drop to 'unprecedented levels'

An alert has been issued to hospitals across Scotland after blood stocks dropped to “unprecedented low levels”.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) says the levels reflect a national shortage of blood donors and an increase in use of Group O in recent months.

SNBTS has written to hospitals, advising that an amber alert will come into place for the first time in Scotland at 9am on Tuesday, November 10.

Medics will be asked to only use Type O blood when essential and to maximise use of alternatives to transfusion where possible.

The alert will remain in place for an initial period of four to six weeks and will be kept under review.

SNBTS aims to retain five to seven days’ worth of supplies across all blood groups.

Stocks have been below target levels for several weeks, with Group O falling below two days’ supply on multiple occasions.

All blood donors are encouraged to urgently book and attend appointments throughout the country in the coming days and weeks.

Donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness have experienced a drop in numbers over the past few months, with 85% of appointments being filled on average.

SNBTS says that, at present, approximately 2% of the eligible population give blood in Scotland.

In a bid to address the “concerning” stock levels, all those aged 17 or over and in general good health are encouraged to register as blood 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.”