NHS Blood and Transplant are urgently appealing for people to make an appointment to donate at Bradford Donor Centre because stock levels have dropped.

Stocks have been affected by staff and donor absence due to illness and the drop in donations over summer when people are busy with holidays and events.

The Bradford donor centre is only 45 per cent full for next week and only around 43 per cent full the following week.

The lowest bloodstock is for O positive, with national levels at around three days, while the NHS seeks to have six. Donors with this type are particularly needed, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative.

Demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We currently have blood to meet demand but stocks have dropped and we need to stop them falling further - now. We urgently need more people to book appointments.

“If you are one of our amazing donors in Bradford, or you want to donate for the first time, please make and keep an appointment for the next few days or weeks."