The NHS is urging 2,482 eligible B negative blood donors across the South East to book an appointment and give blood as supplies of the rare blood type dip to dangerously low levels.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) reports that a significant drop in B negative donors, coupled with recent spikes in demand, is placing strain on this vital blood group. Only two percent of the population has B negative blood, and fewer than 20,000 people currently donate regularly, down by 1,000 since 2023.
Why B Negative Matters
Patients with B negative blood can only receive B negative or O negative — the universal donor type — meaning low stocks can put added pressure on emergency O negative supplies. Even a small increase in hospital use or a single high-demand patient can strain the system.
A Family Call-to-Action
NHSBT is also encouraging family members of B negative donors to register, as they are 30 percent more likely to share the blood type. New donors who already know they’re B negative can now add their blood type when registering for prioritised access to appointments.
“We urgently need existing B negative donors to make an appointment and for more people with this rare type to become regular donors,” said Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply.
“Even a few missed donations can tip our supplies into the red.”
How to Help
Each donation takes about an hour and can save up to three lives.
Men can donate every 12 weeks, women every 16 weeks.
To donate:
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Book at www.blood.co.uk
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Download the GiveBlood app
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Or call 0300 123 23 23 (especially if struggling to find a local appointment)
Alongside B negative, NHSBT also continues to seek more O negative and RO blood type donors.
Local Donations Stations:
- Aylesbury, The Methodist Church Centre
Aylesbury Methodist Church, Buckingham Street, AYLESBURY, HP20 2NQ
- Haddenham, Village Hall
Church Way, Haddenham, Aylesbury, HP17 8EE
- Princes Risborough, Community Centre
Stratton Road, PRINCES RISBOROUGH, HP27 9AX
- Cheddington, Village Hall
Church Lane, Cheddington, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, LU7 0RU
- Prestwood, The Village Hall
1 Wycombe Road, Prestwood, GREAT MISSENDEN, HP16 0NZ
- Winslow, The Public Hall
Elmfield Gate, Winslow, MK18 3DG
- Buckingham, Buckingham Community Centre
Cornwalls Meadow, BUCKINGHAM, MK18 1RP
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