Life saving blood donors have been turned away from a drop-in centre in Bradford because of a staffing crisis.

Normally the Rawson Road centre in the city is open all day Monday to Friday for people who want to drop-in and give blood without an appointment.

But due to staff shortages people have turned up to find the doors locked or been told they will have to make an appointment.

The problem has been highlighted by regular blood donor Brian Lawrence, 66, of Great Horton, who had to make three separate trips before he was able to give blood last week.

Mr Lawrence, who gives blood three times a year and is coming up to his 50th blood donation, said: “Usually the centre is so accessible and you just turn up but I did that and found it closed.

“I called again last week and could get in but I had to make an appointment. Eventually on my third attempt I was able to give blood.

“I am a regular donor and always keen to encourage others to give blood. My concern is they could lose potential donors who turn up and find the doors shut.”

Statistics show hospitals in Bradford need more than 60 units of blood every day to help treat seriously ill patients. And daily national demand for blood for the UK’s hospitals is 8,000 units.

Craig Taylor a spokesman for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Unfortunately there have been occasions where we have had to temporarily close the Bradford Donor Centre because of staffing issues. We apologise to any donor who was inconvenienced. Efforts were made to keep the centre open and when it did close, it was reopened later in the day. This will not be an issue in the future as new staff have been taken on.

“We would like to reassure regular donors, and those thinking about donating, that we appreciate their time and commitment.”

e-mail: claire.lomax @telegraphandargus.co.uk