Ensuring a constant blood supply is a always a headache for workers in the medical field, but recent shortages have left the industry in flux.

A call issued this morning by The National Blood Transfusion Services highlights the desperate situation, and attempts to coax blood donors to come forward to help alleviate its dismal state. “Local health services depend on our blood reserves, which cater for the island’s huge demand”, the post read. “Unfortunately, blood cannot be bought like medicine, but may only be received through donation.”

Any healthy individual between the ages of 17 and 67 is being asked to come forward to donate blood. Minors may also be permitted to do so upon presentation of a signed parental consent form.

If you haven’t deposited in over three months, now is the time to pop over to the National Blood Transfusion Services in Guardamangia. The premises are open daily between 8am and 6pm, so if you lack the time of day during the week, you can easily pop in over the weekend. And don’t forget your ID card!

C’mon guys, if Sleeping Beauty survived being pricked by the spinning wheel needle, so can you endure a quick and relatively pain-free blood donation!