NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has warned that a ‘perfect storm’ could be created by the bumper sporting calendar and extra bank holidays, severely affecting blood donation levels in 2012.
NHSBT statistics show that 93% of donors give blood during the working week and that when there are big sporting events or a string of bank holidays donation levels drop. In 2011 the bumper bank holidays around Easter and the Royal Wedding resulted in fewer donations. Jon Latham, NHSBT assistant director Blood Donation, said: “2012 is going to be an exciting year for the UK, but we are concerned that the cluster of major events could dramatically impact the number of blood donations coming in. Approximately 2 million units of blood will be needed by hospitals throughout 2012, and the equivalent of 500 extra donations will be needed each week in the first six months to help build blood stocks and cover extra potential need from Olympic visitors.”
