People across the country have been issued with a reminder this morning, Wednesday, October 7
Scots have been issued an alert today, Wednesday, October 7 amid worries of a “significant drop”. Now, the SNBTS is appealing to people across the country to help out if they can.
In an Instagram post this morning, the organisation wrote: “PLEASE SHARE: The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is appealing for more people to donate regularly as blood supplies face a significant drop. Please – read our appeal and make an appointment today.”
People are being urged to visit its website ScotBlood to make an appointment. Experts have said there is currently a “cause for concern.”
Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Donor & Transport Services, SNBTS, said: “With only 2% of the population in Scotland regularly giving blood, we have a shortage of donors. This means the blood supply has been under pressure for several months.
“We work to ensure that blood, tissues and cells are available across Scotland 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, autumn is traditionally a challenging time for the blood supply, with seasonal illnesses, the new academic term and darker evenings meaning fewer donors are coming forward. We are also currently seeing high demand for blood products from Scottish hospitals. Currently four out of the eight different blood groups are below desired levels. These groups are: O Positive, O Negative, A Positive and B Negative.”
450 blood donors are needed a day says NHS Scotland
She says NHS Scotland needs around 450 blood donors a day to keep up with demand, but supplies have been falling for months. Debbie continued: “In order to meet demand for blood products in NHS Scotland, we aim to welcome 450 donors every day. However, a spike in demand for one or more blood groups, combined with fewer donors coming forward, means we have been in a declining stock position for several months. This means it is important donors come forward now, and in the coming weeks.
“In order to boost blood stocks, we have been contacting donors directly, advertising across Scotland, and reaching out to donors who have not donated so far in 2026, reminding them how important they are. Blood has a shelf-life of only 35 days, so supplies must be constantly replenished.”
‘Cause for concern’ over the number of blood donors in Scotland
Debbie added: “It is very important new donors come forward now. For several years we have seen our donor base aging in Scotland, and this gives us cause for concern. You can start giving blood aged 17, so we wish to remind young adults in Scotland that giving blood only takes one hour of your time.”
Donating blood can make a ‘real difference’
Donating money can help, but not everyone can afford to. Donating blood is another way to support a good cause and save lives – without spending a penny, if you’re not in a position to give financially.
Debbie concluded: “Blood donation is one of the simplest ways people can make a real difference. We need more people to take that first step and become donors.
“If you’re feeling healthy and well, there’s a good chance you’re eligible to donate blood. A strong and resilient blood system depends on more people coming forward, not just when the need is heightened, but as a regular part of their routine.”
Glasgow mum says ‘thanks’ to blood donors
Backing the appeal for more donors is Stirling mum Caitlyn Stewart, whose first child, Millie, was born in February 2026. Millie then spent five weeks in neonatal care in Glasgow, followed by a further five weeks at Forth Valley.
Caitlyn says: “Millie was born prematurely at just 28 weeks weighing only 670 grams. She had her first blood transfusion at four days old, her second followed in March with just 23mls of donated blood making a life-saving difference. Thanks to blood donors, Millie is now growing stronger every day. We will forever encourage people to give blood and be forever grateful to people who do.”
How to help be a blood donor in Scotland
To support Scotland’s patients and help save lives, book an appointment today:
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
