Changes to when and where donated blood is collected will happen this autumn.

NHS Blood and Transplant in Horsham is amending its timetable so it can meet patient and hospital demands.

The changes won't be announced until later this year but regular blood donors will still be able to visit donation clinics.

Jackie Morgan, the regional operations manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Like any organisation that receives money from the public purse, we have a responsibility to deliver our services as efficiently and effectively as possible so that more money is available to spend on frontline patient care.

“We work closely with hospitals so that we plan to collect only what patients need. By making some changes to our session timetables and where we hold our sessions we will be able to run a more efficient service, while still meeting the needs of patients.”

If you are 17 and over and in generally good health, and are interested in finding out more about giving blood in the region, visit www.blood.co.uk or call NHS Blood and Transplant on 0300 1232323.