Post by NHS England

At just 2 days old, Joey went into septic shock after emergency bowel surgery and needed donated blood to survive. Born at 27 weeks, Joey and his twin sister Eva were admitted to neonatal intensive care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where NHS staff cared for him for eight months. During that time, blood transfusions helped stabilise Joey’s dangerously low blood pressure and gave him the strength he needed for further surgery. Mum Meghan said: ‘It wasn’t just the healthcare teams who saved his life, it was blood donors too. Joey would not be here if the hospital did not have the blood he needed in that moment.’ Thank you to the NHS teams who cared for Joey, and to every blood donor whose generosity helps make lifesaving care possible. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust had the highest demand for blood for newborns last year – showing just how vital blood donors are for babies like Joey. You can help. Register as a blood donor and book an appointment at blood.co.uk