Amber alert issued to Scottish hospitals as blood stocks fall to "unprecedented" low
For the first time in Scotland, medics are being asked to use Group O blood only when essential. Donors are urged to book appointments as winter approaches.
A bag of donated blood. Stocks of Group O blood in Scotland have fallen below two days' supply on several occasions. · Photograph: Bibeyjj (CC BY-SA 4.0)
An amber 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 situation reflects a national shortage of blood donors and an increase in the use of Group O blood in recent months.
First amber alert in Scotland
SNBTS has written to hospitals to say the amber alert – the first ever in Scotland – comes into force at 9am on Tuesday, November 10.
Medics are being asked to use Type O blood only when essential, and to make the most of alternatives to transfusion wherever possible.
The alert will stay in place for an initial four to six weeks and will be kept under review.
Below target for weeks
SNBTS aims to keep between five and seven days' worth of supplies across all blood groups. But stocks have been below target for several weeks, with Group O falling below two days' supply on several occasions.
Donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness have seen numbers drop over the past few months, with only 85% of appointments filled on average.
Around 2% of the eligible population in Scotland currently give blood.
"Appointments need to be fully booked all year"
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."
"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."
Why Group O matters
Group O negative blood can be given to patients of any blood group, which makes it vital in emergencies when there is no time to test a patient's blood type. Group O positive is the most common blood type in Scotland. Shortages of Group O therefore have an outsized impact on hospitals.
How to give blood
Anyone aged 17 or over and in general good health is being encouraged to register as a blood donor. Appointments can be booked through the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service website or app, including at the Glasgow Donor Centre on Nelson Mandela Place.