NHS Blood and Transplant has declared its first-ever amber alert status as blood supplies drop critically low.
The service said overall blood stocks in the NHS stood at 3.1 days, but levels of O type blood have fallen to below two days.
O negative blood is the universal blood type which can be given to everyone. It is vitally important during emergencies and when the blood type of the recipient is unknown.
The current amber alert is also thought to be due to ongoing staffing issues, with more staff needed to work at donor sessions.
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