A councillor who has donated blood for the 66th time is urging other people to follow suit to tackle a 'critical shortage'. Ward councillor for Breightmet and Bolton Executive Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, Sean Fielding most recently donated blood at Norfolk House Blood Donor Centre in Manchester over bank holiday weekend. NHS England’s blood donation service has issued an urgent appeal for new donors amid declining appointments booked over the coming months.
An amber alert was issued to hospitals from the NHS in July, warning them that supplies of O-type blood – which can be given to the vast majority of patients - were so low that their use would need to be restricted. The warning was just the second amber alert in history warning of ‘unprecedented’ blood shortages. Although supplies have improved since July, officials warn that patients still run the risk of being impacted by shortages.
Cllr Fielding said: “Donated blood is invaluable in handling emergencies, childbirth and critical treatments. “I’ve got into the habit of donating ever since I signed up 17 years ago at Oldham Sixth Form College and I’d encourage people to consider it if they don’t already. “The critical shortage at the moment makes it particularly urgent.
“Save a life, give blood. They even give you a biscuit and a brew afterwards.” Cllr Fielding added that his O-type blood is the blood type of 35 per cent of donors, though it can be donated to anybody with an Rh+.