Blood stocks drop to ‘unprecedentedly low levels’ in England

The NHS is appealing for people with O-type blood to urgently come forward and donate, after blood stocks dropped to “unprecedently low” levels in England.

Officials said it follows a “perfect storm” of unfilled appointments at donor centres and increased demand following a cyber-attack which has affected services in London.

O negative blood – known as the universal blood type – is safe for all patients. It is used in emergencies or when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Officials have also issued an amber alert asking hospitals to restrict use of O-type blood to essential cases or use an alternative where safe to do so.

The chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, Dr Jo Farrar, said the service had an “incredible response” from donors after an earlier appeal last…