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<p>NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), accountable to the Secretary of State for Health,
is responsible for the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood to the National
Health Service in England and North Wales. Blood stocks are currently in a healthy
position but there is a continuing need for new donors to fill the gaps left by existing
donors who are no longer able to give blood. This ensures that we have the right mix
of blood groups to match patients’ needs. NHSBT co-ordinates local and national awareness
campaigns, such as the recent ‘Missing Type’ campaign, which are intended to motivate
thousands of people to start donating blood.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Department
has provided £16 million new funding to NHSBT and Anthony Nolan since 2012 to improve
the provision of stem cells in the United Kingdom. This funding has enabled the recruitment
of over 60,000 young male donors who are more likely to be able to donate bone marrow.
In addition, there has been targeted recruitment of donors from groups that are currently
under-represented in the donor registry. Following the success of the UK Stem Cell
Strategy, a further £3 million funding has been announced for this year to support
stem cell transplantation and save more lives.</p><p> </p>
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