NHS facing first-ever blood supply ‘red alert'
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urging 200,000 more people to become regular blood donors to maintain a safe national blood supply.
Low blood stocks in 2024 triggered an " amber alert" following a cyber attack on London hospitals, and officials are trying to avoid a "red alert".
Only 2 per cent of the population, just under 800,000 people, currently supports the entire blood supply in England, while NHSBT says one million regular donors are needed.
There is a critical need for more donors with O negative blood (the universal blood type) and more Black donors to help treat sickle cell disease.
Isaac Balmer, a four-year-old with a genetic blood condition, receives blood transfusions every 12 weeks, highlighting the importance of regular blood donations.
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The Sun
13 minutes ago
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Over half of Brits feel lonely at least once a month… but are ashamed to admit it, study shows
OVER half of Brits feel lonely at least once a month – but are ashamed to admit it. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 56 per cent would rarely or never consider talking to someone else about how isolated they felt. 2 Reasons for this included not wanting to burden others (37 per cent), not believing anyone else will understand (21 per cent), and not wanting to appear vulnerable (21 per cent). This may be a reflection on the strength of their support networks, as a quarter (24 per cent) described theirs as lacking – and a further 13 per cent didn't have one at all. Instead, those who feel lonely are likely to distract themselves through entertainment, such as watching TV (47 per cent), going on social media (22 per cent), or listening to the radio (19 per cent). The research was commissioned by audio brand, Pure, which is partnering with Marmalade Trust, a Bristol -based charity dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and helping people build meaningful connections. As part of this partnership and in support of Loneliness Awareness Week, Pure will be donating 150 radios to individuals across the UK who are looking for support through a period of loneliness. Dr Lalitaa [COR], behaviouralist psychologist and expert in emotional wellbeing, commented: 'Loneliness remains a taboo subject, often shrouded in shame and stigma. 'But human connection is a basic psychological need – one that's increasingly difficult to fulfil in today's fast-paced, digital world. 'It's encouraging to see initiatives like this that provide simple, tangible comfort and help people feel part of something again.' Tara Fisher, COO from Marmalade Trust added: "Loneliness is a natural human emotion that we are all likely to experience in our lifetime. 'But there is still a stigma around loneliness, which means a significant portion of the population are reluctant to speak about these feelings to others – either because they don't feel they have anyone to talk to or are worried about doing so.' Despite these feelings of shame around loneliness, nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) acknowledged it as a common phenomenon among the general population. Women were also found to feel lonelier than men – with only 16 per cent of women saying they never feel lonely, compared to 26 per cent of men. But perceptions about the generations most affected were not entirely accurate – with 19 per cent of all respondents believing the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) is impacted the most by loneliness. However, Gen Zs (born 1996-2011) specifically reported feeling lonelier than any other age group, with one third feeling this way a few times a week and 11 per cent even experiencing this every single day. 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'Boil in the bag' cremation coming to UK - with remains flushed down drains
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Reuters
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UK's MHRA suspends Valneva's chikungunya vaccine for elderly
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