Dismal attendances at blood donor sessions have forced the Brentwood-based National Blood Service to cut some supplies to Essex hospitals by a third.

The alarm bells started ringing when stocks of group O positive - the most common type - dipped to less than one day's supply.

There is only enough on the shelves for 16 hours and group O negative, which is used for accidents and emergencies as it can be given to all patients, has fallen to 1.4 days.

Donor services manager, Caroline Osborne, said things could go either way in the next couple of days.

"We cut our supplies to hospitals of group O positive by 30 per cent yesterday and on Friday.

"It is not a crisis, but we are having to make sure we are very careful."

So far, Basildon and Southend Hospitals have reported no problems worth supplies, but Miss Osborne said a bad road accident can easily suck up a hospital's supply for three to four days in one go.

She said: "Collections have been abysmal.

"We ran two sessions on Sunday and collected 165 units instead of the 244 we hoped for."

Other sessions have also brought in far less than planned. The centre is pleading for as many donors to come forward to replenish stocks - particularly those with group O.

Further information is available on 0345 711711.

Blood donor information on the net

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