NHS Blood and Transplant is calling more for donors at Bradford Donor Centre with a rare blood type which is in the fastest growing demand in England.
New figures published during National Blood Week - June 10 to 16 - show that the Leeds stock holding unit, which serves Bradford, has had an 168 per cent increase in demand for Ro Kell negative blood since 2015/16.
The types can be found in anyone but black people are ten times more likely to have this rare and valuable combination of blood types.
Only around two per cent of donors have this rare combination. Ro Kell negative blood is especially important for treating the rare, inherited condition sickle cell disease.
Existing donors with this blood type are being urged to talk to family members about donation, because they may also share this rare combination of types.
Currently, there are around 126 such donors at the Bradford Donor Centre, which is in Manor Row.
Mike Stredder, Director Blood Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Ro Kell negative blood is used vitally to treat people who need life-long transfusions to live longer, healthy lives. It is lifesaving.
“Blood donation is quick, easy and safe. We urgently need more Ro Kell negative donors at the Bradford donor centre to cope with the growing demand – we urge anyone with these groups to talk to friends and family about donation.”
NHSBT aims to recruit 60 more black blood donors to Bradford Donor Centre over the next year to help boost this number and ensure seriously ill hospital patients get the blood they need.
NHSBT is also launching a special service for donors with this blood group to help retain and recruit donors because of how critical their types have become to patient care.
More and more patients in Bradford and throughout Yorkshire with sickle cell disease are being given regular full body blood transfusions, known as red cell exchanges. Previously, many patients received intermittent ‘top ups’ but many more patients are now recognised as benefitting from regular red cell changes. However red cell exchanges require a lot more blood.
During National Blood Week NHSBT is asking people to share their stories of blood donation and transfusion to stop people taking blood for granted. Whether you’ve given or received blood please share your story for National Blood Week #MyBloodStory #GiveBlood
To become a blood donor, register and book an appointment at blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk
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