The number of blood donations rose by nearly 1,800 this year over 2010 but the hospital still experienced a shortage of the lifesaving fluid as demand increased.

This year the National Blood Transfusion Service, located near St Luke’s Hospital, attracted 22,000 different donors.

However, since not all were eligible to donate, roughly 16,000 donations were made, explained Angelo Degiorgio who heads the donation section.

Despite the increase, the hospital still faced blood shortages. This, he said, was mainly due to changes in cancer treatment that had become more aggressive and required more blood.

Mr Degiorgio explained that while all blood types were needed there was especially a shortage of the rarer blood types O negative and A negative.

Donors must present an identification card, weigh at least 50 kilogrammes and be in good health.

They are to be between the ages of 18 and 63, while 17-year-olds must have parental or guardian consent. Regular donors over 63 and under 68 may also give blood.

Women can donate every four months while men every three. A questionnaire is filled by the donor and then discussed with a medical officer to determine eligibility. This is done under strict confidentiality.

Anyone who wishes to donate blood can visit the clinic in Guardamangia that is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays and public holidays included.