Overview

• Blood supplies have improved from critical lows in July but still pose risks to patient care.
• A ransomware attack in June exacerbated the shortage by disrupting blood matching in London hospitals.
• The NHS urgently calls for young donors and those with O-type blood to help replenish stocks.
• Increased demand and unfilled appointments continue to challenge the blood donation system.
• An extra 1,000 weekly appointments have been added to boost donations through October.