Urgent appeal for blood donors

More blood donors are needed in Kent

The National Blood Service has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations in Kent as stocks are depleted.

The service needs a further 500,000 donations to meet existing demands as supplies in the county are down by 10%.

Supplies of blood matched to each patient must be available for every accident and emergency case, birth and operation.

Patients suffering from a serious illness can use up to 100 units of blood during their treatment.

Coughs and colds

National Blood Service spokeswoman Ruth Greenaway said: "We have seen our blood stocks decline in Kent over the last few weeks.

"The weeks approaching Christmas can be difficult for us because of all the colds and illnesses that are sweeping the county.

"That's why we are launching this appeal as we need people in Kent to come forward and roll up their sleeves, donate a pint of blood and help to save a life."

As well as saving lives the service says blood donations can help improve the quality of life for terminally ill people and can give them extra time to spend with loved ones.