Italy appeals for blood donors as summer stocks run critically low

Italy's national blood centre has issued an urgent appeal for donors after warning that stocks were running critically low nationwide, with hospitals in Lazio, Campania and Sicily worst affected, The Local Italy reported on Friday.

The appeal comes at the end of a summer that has placed sustained pressure on the country's health system. Record temperatures, a prolonged heatwave and the holiday exodus have all contributed to a drop in donations, while demand from hospitals has remained steady.

The shortage is a recurring seasonal problem for Italy, but health officials say this year's combination of extreme heat and the summer travel period has made the situation more acute than usual. The centre's appeal urges regular donors to come forward in the coming days to rebuild stocks before the autumn hospital season begins.