NHS Blood and Transplant has made an urgent call for blood donors to make an appointment at a session in Bodmin on Friday.

Appointments will run from 12.55pm – 3.30pm and then again between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: ’We need people who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak. We’ve put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority.

’We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.’

Travel to a blood donation session is classed as essential, says the NHS.

’Blood donation saves lives,’ the spokesperson said.

’Donations have dropped, though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations.

’However, we need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months. Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there.’

 Please call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk to book an appointment to donate.