The number of people who came forward to make blood donations in Havering fell by 5.4 per cent in the past year

The figures have been revealed as the National Blood Service launches a campaign to increase donor numbers nationwide.

In the year to April 2014, 3,651 people in Havering donated almost 7,000 pints of blood. But 12 months on, almost 200 fewer people have opted in, leading to a similar fall in the number of donations.

Jon Latham, assistant director for donor services and marketing at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We simply can’t ignore the fact that there has been a stark reduction in the number of new donors coming forward – a trend seen across the world.

“While we can meet the needs of patients now, it’s important we strengthen the donor base for the future.

“If we don’t attract new people across England and North Wales to donate it will put more pressure on the ability to provide the right type of blood the NHS needs for patients in the future.”

Forty per cent fewer volunteers came forward across England and North Wales to give blood last year compared to 10 years ago.

The service believes one of the main reasons for the lack of fresh donors is the increasing pressure on people’s free time, with 27pc of people saying they have been too busy.

Potential volunteers are also prevented from donating blood if they have travelled abroad to certain countries or had a tattoo in the past six months.

The blood unit is now calling for 204,000 new volunteers to start donating so the service can continue to provide blood for those in need.

Jon said: “Giving blood is an amazing thing to do.

“If you live in London and haven’t donated before, please help us reverse the decline in new donors.

“It is simple and easy and will only take an hour of your time – it could literally be a matter of life and death for somebody else.”

To donate visit blood.co.uk