The NHS says blood stocks remain strong despite cancelled donation sessions this week and the impact of coronavirus.

Appointments were cancelled at short notice due to staff absences on Monday at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Rainham and on Wednesday at East Malling Village Hall.

The NHS Blood and Transplant team said they were unable to share private medical information about staff, and reassured donors that blood collection sessions were classed as Covid-19 secure environments in accordance with Public Health England guidelines.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have had to cancel a small number of blood donation appointments in the Kent area at short notice. This is due to staff absence within the local team. We apologise to those donors affected. These cancellations will not affect our ability to continue to supply the blood that patients need.

“We are very grateful for the time that donors give up and we hope that those donors affected by these cancellations will re-book for a future date. Blood is always needed.”

The Blood and Transplant team said blood stocks remained strong in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak thanks to the ongoing support of donors throughout the pandemic.

They currently have six days of stock, which was is said to be at target level.

Since the pandemic, extra safety precautions have been brought in during donor sessions, which include a mandatory face coverings policy and temperature checks for all staff and donors. The team said Public Health England has confirmed they "have no requirement to introduce NHS Test and Trace for our donors or colleagues."

Last month NHS Blood and Transplant urged donors to stick to their appointments, as the UK entered its second national lockdown.

Fit and well blood donors are asked to keep giving as normal during lockdown, to build strong blood stocks this winter and help hospitals through a second wave of Covid-19 alongside the many other pressures winter places on the NHS.

The first national lockdown in March brought a sharp rise in missed appointments, with as many as 22% of donors not attending, and it took four weeks before attendance rates returned to normal.

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