Blood donors urgently needed in Mansfield and Ashfield areas to make up shortage built up over festive season

The NHS is making an urgent appeal for to give blood at donor sessions taking place this month.

A spokesman for the service said: “We are urgently asking people in Mansfield, Ashfield and surrounding areas to come forward and help us increase blood stocks.

“This is due to the recent drop in blood stocks over the festive period and it is vital that we increase our stocks now, so we can continue to meet the needs of patients.

“All blood types are needed, but particularly O Groups to maintain our life saving supplies. With heavy demand for blood and many people taking extended holidays over this Christmas and New Year period we have seen falling stock levels.”

A unit of blood is measured as 470mls (or just under a pint)

There are four main blood groups – O, A, B and AB. A regular supply of all blood groups is vital – red cells last 35 days and platelets only seven days.

Maintaining a regular supply of group O Rh Negative is particularly important to respond to patient need.

Female whole blood donors can give blood every 16 weeks, while male blood donors can donate every 12 weeks. Platelets can be donated every two weeks.

If you are able to give blood, make an appointment to donate by calling 0300 123 23 23.

There are a number of places to donate in Mansfield, Ash field and surrounding areas.

More donors are needed to attend the following sessions in this area:

Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, DE55 2EJ.

Thursday 15th January

Open: 11am – 12.45pm; 2-3.30pm, 4.30-6.45pm.

The John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme, Mansfield, NG19 8LL

Tuesday 20 January

11.30am -2.30pm, and 4-7pm.

Alternatively visit www.blood.co.uk to find a session and to book an appointment near you.

It is also easy to book through mobile apps for Windows, Android and Apple devices. To download the app, search ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store.