STATISTICS from NHS Blood and Transplant have revealed a gap between demand and supply of blood type O- underlining an urgent need for donors to come forward.
All blood types are needed to build stocks, but there is a particular need for O-donors to prepare for the Olympics.
An estimated 1.2 million people and 15,000 athletes are expected to visit London as part of the Olympic Games, whose blood type may not be known, so should they need a transfusion O- blood is likely to be needed.
Type O- blood, often called the universal blood type, can be transfused into any patient regardless of their own blood type and is used in over a tenth of hospital procedures.
People who would like to help with the national stock build appeal are encouraged to make an appointment at www.blood.co.uk or by calling 0300 1232323.