A call for blood has been issued by the National Blood Transfusion Service this morning.

It said that reserves were low because of an increase in demand and due to a reduced number of donations as a result of the heat.

The service said that if the situation persisted, patients needing blood transfusion would have to wait.

It also appealed for more prudence while driving, at work, at sea and at entertainment places, particularly if alcohol was consumed, to reduce the number of incidents and pressure on the blood supply.

The Blood Donation Centre, just outside St Luke’s Hospital in Gwardamangia, is open daily from 8am to 6pm.

Donors should take their identity card, driving licence or Maltese passport with them.

People who wish to give blood and have returned from abroad in the past four weeks should call on 8007 4313 to check whether or not they are eligible.

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