Nearly 250,000 registered blood donors yet to give blood

Up to a quarter of a million people who signed up to be a blood donor in 2022 are yet to make a donation.

Recent figures from NHS Blood and Transplant show only about 91,000 people out of 325,000 who registered have had an appointment.

The NHS said existing donors were prioritised in 2022 due to lower blood stocks, meaning fewer appointments for first time donors.

In a statement, the NHS said the service faced a challenging year in 2022 with low blood stocks, adding “Existing donors are prioritised at these times as their blood type is known and they are more likely to complete a successful donation, which means appointments for first time donors are reduced”.

The statement added that blood stocks have “stabilised” since then, and there are now more slots available for new donors and people who registered are being urged to book now.

David Rose, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said “We always need new people to join our amazing community of lifesaving blood donors and help meet the needs of patients right now and in the future.

“If you are one of the 235,000 people who registered last year but are yet to attend an appointment, or you’re thinking about signing up to donate, please make 2023 the year you save lives.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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