Christmas campaign calls for new donors as figures reveal less than 2% of Scots are blood donors

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is calling on people across Scotland to register as a blood donor, as new figures show the number of people actively donating has fallen from around 3% of the population to under 2%.

SNBTS is urging people to register as a donor and book a blood donation appointment now to help build vital blood stocks during the busy winter and Christmas period.

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Donor and Transport Services, SNBTS, says, 'Every day, Scotland needs around 450 blood donors to meet the needs of patients in hospitals across the country. However, fewer people are donating than before, and that puts pressure on Scotland’s blood supply. I am urging both new and returning donors to come forward to help ensure lifesaving blood is always available.'

Debbie continues, 'The fact less than 2% of the population are actively giving blood is a concerning trend. In the last 10 years we have seen a drop of 24% - which is just under 30,000 donors. We are also seeing a particular challenge around younger people coming forward. The blood supply has been maintained by our regular donors giving more often, but we really need new donors, or those who have not given for some time, to come forward.

We know that a key reason for this decline is simply lack of awareness about the importance of blood donation. We are pleased to have patients from across Scotland supporting our campaign – they are a reminder that the need for blood can impact any family. We also know that people want a greater choice in when and where they can donate. To meet this need, we have had more than 900 community collections this year, visiting 248 communities across Scotland. We are reaching out to young people via schools, universities, and communities across Scotland.'

• Please get involved this festive period by signing up to be a blood donor, and booking your appointment. Thank you.