Donors have come forward but more are needed

More than 6,500 people have come forward since the appeal was launched last week.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) said it was "delighted" with the response but that the shortage of supplies was still very serious.

Urging more people to come forward, the service said it would take at least another month to replenish depleted blood stocks.

The threat of postponing planned elective surgery has lessened but it is expected to take up to a month to ensure that supplies are built up and stabilised Dr Moira Carter SNBTS

On Tuesday, the SNBTS warned that planned operations might have to be cancelled within two weeks if first-time donors did not come forward.

Dr Moira Carter, national donor services manager for the SNBTS, said: "The threat of postponing planned elective surgery has lessened but it is expected to take up to a month to ensure that supplies are built up and stabilised."

Dr Carter went on: "We are delighted by the immediate public response to the appeal.

"It is a timely and important reminder that our healthcare system is dependent on the public spirited attitude and generosity of blood donors.

"However, the situation remains very serious."

SCOTLAND'S BLOOD SHORTAGE Blood donors explain why they are responding to the appeal In pictures

She said the service had welcomed 1,000 new blood donors this week but urgently required a further 3,000 new donors to come forward in the next month.

"The service needs 120 new blood donors each day and I am appealing for new donors to come forward and give blood over the next four weeks to help supplies recover fully prior to Christmas," Dr Carter said.

"At the moment there are simply not enough blood donors to support Scottish health care."