The Blood Bank has thanked donors for their generous response after its urgent appeal for blood yesterday.

It said that 145 bags of blood were donated. However since the bank needs a reserve of 300 bags of blood, if urged donors to continue coming forward.

The bank made its appeal yesterday when reserves sank following a spate of traffic accidents. Available stock of 'O' Positive blood had dwindled to just 20 bags.

At one time, there was a risk that operations scheduled for today would be called off. They have now gone ahead.

The bank explained that it uses about 50 bags of blood every day but demand spikes whenever there is a serious accident, and there are cases where individual patients need 25 bags of blood. 

Blood donations are being received at the Blood Bank, near St Luke's Hospital, up to 6 p.m. Donors must produce their ID card.

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