News and statements
Changes to appointment reminder letters
We’re making changes to how we send appointment reminders to make the process more efficient, reduce waste, and save money.
London’s key emergency services back call for more life-saving O negative blood donations
London’s Air Ambulance, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade have come together to support NHS Blood and Transplant’s appeal for donors.
Brixton honours sickle cell pioneer at unique new NHS blood donor centre specifically designed to inspire the local community to give blood
A plaque honouring the lifesaving work of the country’s first sickle cell nurse counsellor, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, will be unveiled at London’s newest and boldest blood donor centre in the heart of Brixton, on Wednesday 22 January.
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.