NHS launches urgent blood donor appeal
National Blood Week highlights an NHS shortfall of 200,000 donors following a ransomware attack.
The NHS is appealing for one million new blood donors during National Blood Week, following a significant cyberattack on London hospitals that severely impacted blood stocks.
This urgent plea comes after an analysis by NHS Blood and Transplant revealed a shortfall of 200,000 donors, with only two percent of the population currently sustaining the nation’s blood supply.
The ongoing shortage stems from a July 2024 cyberattack, linked to the Russian-based Qilin ransomware group, which crippled the networks of Synnovis, a major NHS lab partner.
This disruption affected crucial pathology services at hospitals including King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, leading to postponed operations and procedures. The incident prompted an Amber alert for severe blood shortages, declared a ‘critical incident’ by the NHS.
With blood stocks remaining low, exacerbated by recent bank holidays, the NHS is now facing a pressing need to prevent a ‘Red Alert,’ which would signify demand far exceeding capacity and threaten public safety.
A particular emphasis is being placed on finding more O-negative and Ro donors, urging the public to come forward and help replenish vital supplies.
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