People in the Bolton are being encouraged to donate blood as three in four of those registered have yet to do so.

During 2022 more than 37,600 people in the North West registered with Give Blood but only 10,037 of them attended an appointment by February 8 this year.

The first ever amber alert on blood stocks shortages in October sparked a huge response from the public wanting to help and led to nearly 8,000 people in the North West registering over the four weeks.

Only one in five has donated so far. However, at that time there were limited appointments available for first-time donors because of staffing issues and the need to prioritise existing donors.

READ MORE: Bolton residents urged to keep blood donor appointments

Blood stocks have since stabilised and there are now more slots available for new donors and NHS Blood and Transplant is urging new registrants who have not yet donated to take the next step and book an appointment.

Bolton closest donor centres are in Manchester, at Plymouth Grove and Norfolk House on Norfolk Street.

Permanent donor centres in towns and cities generally have greater availability and longer opening hours than mobile sessions that are held in community venues such as church halls.

David Rose, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We always need new people to join our amazing community of lifesaving blood donors and help meet the needs of patients right now and in the future.

READ MORE: Bolton GPs providing face-to-face appointments according to NHS

“If you are one of the more than 37,000 people in the North West who registered last year but are yet to attend an appointment, or you’re thinking about signing up to donate, please make 2023 the year you save lives.

“More slots are now available for first time donors but if you can’t find an immediate appointment, don’t worry, please book for further in the future as we need lifesavers every day.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s months or weeks ahead – every donation counts. Giving blood is quick and easy, and you will feel amazing afterwards.”

There is an urgent need for more donors of Black heritage as they are more likely to have the blood type needed to treat sickle cell patients – the country’s fastest growing genetic blood disorder.

READ MORE: Bolton NHS trust declares 3 critical incidents since October

The demand for ethnically matched blood for these patients is on the rise and has already doubled in recent years.