Blood donors are being urged to book and keep appointments this Christmas.

An appeal has been launched to make sure every appointment is filled.

Winter is a known busy period for the NHS, making blood donations more important.

Appointments are available at the 25 permanent blood donor centres across England.

Between 19 December 2022 and 8 January 2023, 73,465 units of blood were collected and 74,467 were issued to hospitals.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs to collect 1.45 million units of blood each year to meet the needs of patients across England.

On average, 4,300 blood donations are required every day to cope with demand from hospitals and 140,000 new donors will be needed next year.

Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: "Christmas is a time for families and friends to get together but also a time to help others and what better way than to save a life.

"Giving blood is giving life to a stranger and by booking and keeping an appointment, blood donors are able to do something really special.

"So I urge people to spare just a small amount of time to make a big difference."

Mark Chambers, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant said: "We’re encouraging all of our amazing blood donors to please book and keep their appointments and help us save lives this Christmas.

"Demand for lifesaving blood doesn’t stop for Christmas. Many patients will need transfusions over the festive period as treatment for a blood condition or cancer, or due to surgery, childbirth, or an accident.

"We’d also love to welcome anyone giving blood for the first time. If you don’t know your blood type you will find out after donating – you might find out you have the type patients especially need.

"It only takes an hour to give blood and each donation can help save or improve up to three lives."