Why it matters: Only two per cent of the population have B negative blood, making it one of the rarest types. Patients with B negative blood can only receive B negative or O negative blood, meaning low stocks can place higher demand on vital emergency supplies.
The big picture: NHS Blood and Transplant revealed there are 1,649 B negative donors in the region who are eligible to give blood right now as enough time has passed since their last donation. The combination of a shrinking donor base and recent high demand has left stocks under pressure.
By the numbers:
Fewer than 20,000 people with B negative blood currently donate regularly
1,000 B negative donors lost since 2023
Family members are 30 per cent more likely to have this blood type
Hospitals need more than 5,000 blood donations daily across England
What's happening: The NHS is contacting all B negative donors asking them to book appointments at the earliest opportunity. Existing donors will be given priority access and are urged to call 0300 123 23 23 if struggling to find availability.
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply, said: "B negative donors are immensely important to our lifesaving work but as one of the rarest blood types, it can be a challenge to always collect enough.
"Right now B negative stocks are at risk of running low. With a blood type this rare, just a slight rise in hospital demand or one or two patients suddenly requiring a high number of units, can put significant extra pressure on supplies."
What you can do: Those with B negative blood are asked to encourage family members to register and donate. New donors who know they are B negative can add their blood type when registering to be prioritised for appointments.
Gogarty added: "If you are a B negative donor and can't find an appointment at a session near you, please call us and we will do what we can to make one available for you. If you have never given blood before and believe you are B negative please sign up and book an appointment today."
Donating takes just one hour and each donation can save up to three lives. Men can give blood every three months and women every four months. Hospitals use blood for traumatic injuries, cancer treatments, sickle cell disease and childbirth.
The bottom line: The NHS urgently needs existing B negative donors to donate and new people with this rare blood type to become regular donors to secure life-saving supplies for patients across the region.
To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
