How many people give blood in Northumberland?

Health bosses are appealing for more blood donors to come forward despite an increase in the number of people in Northumberland stepping up.

As a push begins for more people to register ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, NHS’s Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) figures show 5,102 people gave blood in the area in the year to March – an increase on 4,693 the year before, and higher than the year to March 2020, when 4,858 people donated.

Figures also show 683 donors gave blood for the first time – up from 488 the year before, and the year to March 2020, when 681 people donated for the first time.

Nationally, donations have been falling for several years falling.

In the year to March, 789,840 people donated – down on the 878,612 did in the year to March 2016.

The NHSBT is calling for more donors to come forward.

Demand for blood dropped during the pandemic as hospitals suspended routine operations but more is now needed as hospitals bid to clear a treatment backlog.

The NHS is particularly short of blood types O negative and B negative.

Head of blood donation marketing for NHS Blood and Transplant, Alex Cullen, said: “The NHS needs more donors over the next five years of all blood types.

“A campaign is being held this National Blood Week and throughout June to identify people with most needed blood types. This year we’re encouraging more people to donate and find out their blood type.”

To register to give blood and book an appointment, call 0300 123 23 23, downloading the GiveBloodNHS app, or go to blood.co.uk.