As winter colds and flu affect increasing numbers of people, the National Blood Service (NBS) is asking people to give blood over the festive period.

Over the past two weeks, more than 6,000 fewer donors have been giving blood across the country than this time last year, causing blood stocks to dip significantly.

While supplies to hospitals continue to be met, 7,000 donations are needed across the country every day to maintain healthy blood stocks.

South Tyneside District Hospital gets through about 170 pints of blood a week on average.

Darren Bowen, lead donor relations manager (marketing) for Yorkshire and North East England, said: "As we move into the Christmas period, it is vital that we collect enough blood to meet hospital demand.

"However, with the viruses affecting some people at the moment, we are finding that less people are coming along to donate blood.

"We are asking everyone to take the time in their busy working lives and preparations for the Christmas and New Year break to come and give blood."

You may be able to give blood if you are aged between 17 and 65, weigh more than 7st 12lb (50kg) and are in good health.

There is no upper age limit for donors who have given blood in the last two years.

A NBS spokesman said: "If you already have an appointment to give blood, please keep this if you can.

"If not, please contact the NBS on (08457) 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk for details of your local blood session or to make an appointment."

Forthcoming sessions in South Tyneside are:

• Centre for the Community, Westoe Road, South Shields, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Friday, January 2.


• St Peter's Church Hall, York Avenue, Jarrow, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Friday, January 2.