A ransomware attack on major London hospitals has prompted an urgent appeal for O blood-type donors to come forward and donate. The attack, affecting hospitals such as King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’, has disrupted the matching of patients’ blood, leading to a critical shortage.
NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for O negative and O positive donors to book appointments at one of the 25 NHS Blood Donor Centres in England to help replenish stocks. O-negative blood is particularly crucial as it can be safely given to people with any blood type, making it the universal blood type for emergencies.
The attack on the pathology firm Synnovis, believed to be orchestrated by a Russian cyber criminal group called Qilin, has forced hospitals to cancel operations and tests, as well as halt blood transfusions. This has put a strain on the healthcare system, with more units of O-type blood needed than usual in the coming weeks.
Dr. Gail Miflin, chief medical officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, emphasized the importance of patient safety and the need for O blood-type donors to support London hospitals in providing the best care for all patients. Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, praised staff for going “above and beyond” to minimize disruption caused by the cyber-attack.
As National Blood Week highlights the constant need for blood donations in hospitals, the appeal for O blood-type donors takes on added urgency. With just 8% of the population having O negative blood, but accounting for 15% of hospital orders, every donation can make a difference in saving lives.
