Brussels sees summer decline in blood donations

Brussels has seen a decline in blood donations over the summer holidays, resulting in severe pressure to existing stocks.

The decline amounts to about a third fewer blood donations recorded in the capital.

Levels of almost all blood groups are now low, with a particularly acute shortage of O-negative and B-negative blood types.

“The fact that O-negative is so low is not a good sign,” said Philippe Vandekerckhove, managing director of Red Cross Flanders.

“After all, it’s the universal donor type: any patient can receive blood from an O-negative donor.”

According to Red Cross Flanders, the number of donors falls by about 15% every year during the summer.

Many people are on holiday or put off donating blood, and some travellers are temporarily barred from donating blood after a stay in certain countries.

But the demand for blood in hospitals remains high. Blood is needed for operations, childbirth and the treatment of cancer patients and stocks must be constantly replenished.

Red Cross Flanders is therefore calling on everyone eligible to book an appointment to donate blood.

Although the greatest need at present is for O-negative and B-negative, donors of all blood groups are welcome.

“Every blood donation helps to replenish stocks and provide patients with the care they need,” said Vandekerckhove.