The NHS issues a national alert, the second in its history, due to critically low blood stocks, emphasizing the shortage of O-type blood.

The NHS urgently seeks O-type blood donors, particularly O negative and O positive, to address the shortage caused by a cyber attack and seasonal factors.

NHS Blood and Transplant issues an 'Amber Alert' instructing hospitals to restrict the use of O-type blood to essential cases and seek safe substitutions.

Reports highlight unprecedentedly low blood stocks in England and London, with specific emphasis on the critical shortage in London prompting an urgent donation appeal.

The ongoing cyber incident in London hospitals significantly increases the demand for O-negative blood, leading to a 94% surge in need.

Hundreds of blood donation appointments were cancelled in June due to the cyber attack, contributing to the critical shortage of blood stocks.

Hospitals are instructed to limit the use of O-type blood due to significant stock shortages, emphasizing the need for conservation.

Interested donors can register and book appointments through the GiveBloodNHS app or website, highlighting the ease of access to donation opportunities.

NHS Blood and Transplant stresses the continuous need for blood donations, especially O-negative, which has a shelf life of only 35 days.

The NHS aims to collect 1.45 million units of blood annually and recruit 200,000 new blood donors to ensure an adequate and sustainable supply.

The UK's NHS issues alerts across various cities, including London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Birmingham, Bristol, and St Helens, due to critically low blood stocks following a cyber attack.

The importance of regular blood donation is highlighted due to the short shelf life of blood and the continuous need in hospitals, stressing the ongoing demand for donors.