Madrid hospitals have normalised their blood supplies after the crisis in early July, but the Transfusion Centre maintains the red alert for the O+ group and calls for urgent donations.
The Community of Madrid has managed to overcome the slump. After weeks of uncertainty, blood levels in hospitals have returned to normal, although with one caveat: the O+ group, the most common and necessary, remains in the red. The Transfusion Centre has issued a new warning for donors not to relax just as summer arrives, the time of year with the most accidents and the fewest donations.
The O+ group remains critically low
The Transfusion Centre of the Community of Madrid has confirmed that, despite the overall improvement, O+ stocks are below the safety threshold. In a message on social media, health officials thanked the public for their response but urged “to maintain the donation pace” to avoid a new alert. The other blood groups already have an adequate volume.
“With your generosity, we have managed to restore blood reserves. To ensure they do not drop again, it is important to maintain the donation pace,” stated the Transfusion Centre.
The call comes after the regional government declared a red alert earlier this month due to a critical situation. Supplies had fallen to 35% of their capacity, just before summer, when demand usually spikes due to traffic accidents and increased emergencies.
A demand that does not cease
The consumption figures in the region are overwhelming. Each year, Madrid hospitals use around 38,000 units of blood for surgeries and 42,000 for oncohaematological treatments. Internal Medicine requires another 40,000 units for digestive bleeding, ulcers, or dialysis, while Emergencies consumes more than 30,000 and Paediatrics about 9,000. These figures explain why vigilance cannot be relaxed.
Blood is not manufactured: it is only obtained through the generosity of donors. That is why authorities insist that donating is a simple gesture that saves lives. The process takes just 20 minutes and the requirements are minimal: be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kilos, and be in good health.
Where to donate in the Community of Madrid
Those interested can go to the Transfusion Centre in Valdebernardo (in the capital), any of the 30 designated hospitals, the donation room on Juan Montalvo street, or the mobile units of the Red Cross. No prior appointment is necessary, although it is recommended to check the hours on the Transfusion Centre's website.
The regional government reminds that each donation can help up to three people. And with the arrival of the holidays, reserves tend to drop. Therefore, if you are from the O+ group, now more than ever, your blood is gold.
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