Urgent call for O negative and B negative donors as blood stocks drop

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) has issued an urgent appeal for donors as blood stocks, particularly O negative and B negative groups, have reached concerning levels.

Donation sessions are taking place across County Derry throughout January 2026 to ensure regional hospitals remain safely stocked.

Making the appeal, Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service said: “We urgently need O negative and B negative donors to come donate and help us get the stock back to a level that allows our Hospitals to continue to save lives.

“Come donate at any sessions this week or at our HQ, Belfast City Hospital.”

Upcoming donation sessions across County Derry are being held on:

Tuesday, January 6 – Derry - Carlisle Road Methodist Church, 21 Carlisle Road, Derry BT48 6JJ - from 12.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

Wednesday, January 7 – Portstewart - Burnside Presbyterian Church, 22 Mill Road, Portstewart, Co Derry BT55 7SW - from 12.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

Friday, January 9 – Kilrea - Manor House, Manor Golf Club, 69 Bridge Street Kilrea, Coleraine, Co Derry BT51 5RR - from 12.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Monday, January 12 – Garvagh - Church Hall, Main Street Presbyterian, 31D Main Street, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co Derry BT51 5AA - from 12.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.30pm.

Appointments can be made on 08085 534 653 or by visiting https://nibts.hscni.net/online-booking-for-blood-donation-appointments/. The line is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.30pm.