Upon learning of a critical statewide shortage, regular O negative blood donor Ian Bradshaw, of Box Hill, immediately visited his closest blood donor centre at Rosehill.

"I've been donating for 40 years," Mr Bradshaw.

"It's a quick and painless way of helping the community. Nobody expects to need a transfusion, but if there was no donors they wouldn't have any supplies."

Mr Bradshaw is one of many regular donors for the Red Cross Blood Service and has made close to 100 donations since the age of 18.

"It gives you great self-satisfaction knowing you've helped someone when their in need."

O negative is known as the universal blood type because it can be used in an emergency to save lives when the patient's blood type is unknown.

Blood Service manager Garry Wolfe outlined the urgent need for O negative stocks but appealed for members of the public to donate regardless of their blood type.

"With the cold and flu season almost upon us and many regular donors going away for the Queen's birthday long weekend in June, we are very concerned," Mr Wolfe said.

Details: 13 14 95.