NHS issues urgent plea after ‘perfect storm’ leaves blood supplies set to run out within hours

The UK’s National Health Service has warned that it may run out of all types of blood within five days due to a shortage of donors, imploring O-negative and O-positive blood types to donate immediately. The situation has been exacerbated by a cyber attack on London hospitals in June, which led to fewer donations and increased demand. Under 10% of the population are O-negative, yet they provide 16% of hospital orders. The NHS currently has available appointments for donors in the coming fortnight.