A MAJOR crisis at Manchester Blood Centre was averted this week after emergency supplies of blood were flown in from the south of England.

The emergency followed a call from three hospitals, including the Royal Bolton, to supply three patients with urgent life-saving blood.

All three patients were in a critical condition after suffering aneurisms - bursts in major arteries. They needed a lot of blood and fast. And all required blood group O - the most common blood group.

Collectively the three patients required more than 120 units or 60 litres. The patient from Bolton, who was in the most critical condition, required more than 80 units of blood, almost a full day's work for a blood collection unit.

In response to the crisis, Manchester Blood Centre has now launched an urgent appeal for donors to come forward, especially people with blood group O.

Jane Ellison, donor recruitment co-ordinator for Manchester Blood Centre, which is the major supplier of blood to the North West's 60 hospitals, said: "We now need to urgently replenish our stocks of Group O.

"One aneurism in a week drains resources, but three in one day is heavy going, particularly with the seasonal blip at Christmas, which was followed, unfortunately by a poor week for donations of blood due to the flu epidemic."

She said that a crisis situation was averted only by moving Group O stocks of blood from other parts of the country.

Jane added: "Although the situation we faced with three aneurisms was unusual, it doesn't mean it won't happen tomorrow. If it did happen we would be in a real mess.

Priority

"That's why I am making this appeal, because I need to make sure that we remove the threat of a crisis and that we have sufficient supplies of blood to supply our hospitals. "

She said that people should donate blood as a priority. "For just one hour of your time, you can help save lives."

Anybody who is fit and healthy, and aged between 17 and 60, can donate blood. Details of your nearest blood donor sessions are available on 0345 711 711. And the blood collection unit will be visiting Bolton on January 27 at the Walker Memorial Hall, Ridgeway Gate, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. No appointment is necessary.

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