News and statements
NHS urges people to give blood and help save lives this year after challenging festive period
The NHS in England is urging people to make saving lives one of their New Year’s resolutions by giving blood as figures released today reveal that over the Christmas week demand for blood from hospitals exceeded collections by almost 3,000 units.
Plasma exchange allows patient to receive new heart for Christmas
NHS Blood and Transplant's own 'Saint Nick' gave the best gift possible, working overnight so a patient could receive a new heart before Christmas
Boy enjoys Christmas one year on from stem cell transplant using umbilical cord donated at Christmas 15 years earlier
Gunner Lewis-Vale received a stem cell transplant in January 2024, to treat a rare genetic disorder and extend his life. Now, the five-year-old is enjoying celebrating Christmas one year on.
Fantastic response to BBC Casualty's Christmas special on blood donation
The NHS has hailed a fantastic response to the BBC Casualty Christmas special which saw a huge uplift in bookings.
Brother flies across the world to donate stem cells to save sister’s life
Colin Gwilliam, 56, flew from Wellington, New Zealand to Leeds, UK, to donate stem cells for his sister Jenny, after she was given two years to live without treatment. Six months on, Jenny is recovering and says “the signs are looking good”.
Mum who received 65 units of blood products before last Christmas supports blood appeal
Adele Darlington, who needed blood products after suffering a massive bleed while giving birth a year ago, has met the NHS staff who urgently sent blood to the hospital.
Woman sees herself in blood donation film after nearly 60 years
A woman saved by transfusions as a baby was “amazed” to see herself again in an NHSBT blood donation documentary, nearly 60 years after it was filmed.
Next 6 weeks crucial for Christmas blood stocks as NHS warns of December slump in donations
The NHS in England is urging donors to book and stick to their appointments in the lead up to Christmas to ensure we have the blood needed by hospitals this Christmas.
Married couple beat odds of 1 in 4 million to both donate stem cells
The London couple, originally from India, are now calling on others of South Asian heritage to sign up to the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry.
Oxford renal nurse with special Ro subtype encourages Black heritage communities to embrace blood donation
A dedicated renal nurse at Oxford University Hospitals has been caring for patients while also making a live-saving impact through blood donation of the special Ro subtype and encouraging Black heritage communities to donate.