West Sussex Residents Urged to Donate Blood Amid Shortage

West Sussex residents are being called upon to donate blood following a national shortage, with a critical need for O type blood donors.

The NHS has issued an amber alert due to decreased stocks of O type blood.

The shortage has been attributed to a recent cyber attack on a London hospital and numerous unfilled appointments at donor centres nationwide. To address the urgent need, NHS Sussex is appealing for donors, especially those with O type blood, to come forward. An NHS Blood Donation spokesman emphasized the critical need, noting that O negative blood is universally transfusable.

There are over 12,000 open appointments in the next two weeks, and the NHS is seeking to fill these slots to replenish blood stocks. Individuals willing to donate can schedule an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting the NHS Blood Donation website.