Vital blood supplies are at risk of falling drastically low - and the NHS to call on KOS Media readers to roll up their sleeves and help restock essential provisions.
Health experts say the drop follows the bout of severe weather which hit the county, leaving many people unable to reach donation sessions because of the heavy snow.
Accidents caused by icy pavements and treacherous driving conditions also meant additional supplies were used across the UK to treat casualties in A&E.
The busy Christmas period was another factor blamed for the decrease in donors coming forward.
Claire Dolling, spokesperson from NHS Blood and Transplant, said the festive season always leads to a drop in donors, but this year the problem has been even worse.
“Because Christmas fell on a Friday this year, there were fewer blood donor sessions taking place over the two-week period; six full days and two half days instead of the usual 10 full days,” she said.
“It's vital that people continue to give blood - especially at this time of year as stocks traditionally take a drop.
“Christmas can be a hectic time for many. With all the preparations and anticipation for the festive season, giving blood can fall down the 'to do list'.
“We are urging Kent on Sunday readers to think of others and give blood as it really does save lives.
“Blood stocks have to be constantly replenished and we'd like to get more people regularly giving blood in the Kent area.”
Donated blood – which is used in life-saving operations – cannot be stockpiled as the two components taken from it have short shelf lives.
Ms Dolling said: “Platelets - a clotting factor used to help treat leukaemia and cancer patients - last for just five days.
“Red cells last longer at 35 days and are often transfused to patients suffering from severe anaemia or severe blood loss.
“It's therefore vital that both regular and new donors come forward to give blood and ensure sufficient blood is available for patients.”
Ruth Greenaway, from the National Blood Service, part of NHS Blood and Transplant, said although supplies in the county were not yet at rock bottom, the spell of severe weather had hit stocks.
“The bad weather kept people from getting to their donation sessions,” she said.
“We can’t stockpile blood. Red cells only have a shelf life of 35 days and platelets just a few days.
“People should make it there New Year’s resolution to give blood – it’s only once every 16 weeks.”
Stocks of blood are moved around the UK dependant on where they are needed at any one time.
Thirty per cent of red blood cells issued to hospitals are used in cardiothoracic, orthopaedic and general surgery.
They are essential to replace blood loss in accidents, surgery and after childbirth, and are used in the treatment of anaemia and for sickle cell disease.
Around 700,000 donations are needed every single day across the UK to ensure there are enough supplies to help treat patients.
Just 4,810 people gave blood in Kent over the Christmas period.
Statistics revealed by NHS Blood and Transplant showed that 96 per cent of people rely on the other 4 per cent to give blood.
Ms Dolling added: “Giving blood is one of most selfless acts you can do to help others.
“It takes less than an hour, is painless and you never know when you may need blood yourself.
“Appointments can be made so you're not kept waiting and many people fit it in on their way to or from work.
“If it's been on your to do list for ages and you haven't gotten around to it then tick it off today.
“Save a life and give blood.”
To find out how to become a donor go to www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
POSTED: 03/01/2010 11:00:00
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